τῆς Συρίης θεοῦ Hayes Nimis

εστι εν Συρίῃ πόλις ου πολλὸν απὸ τοῦ ποταμοῦ Ἐύφρήτεω ,

There-is in Syria a-city not far from the river Euphrates

κάλεται δὲ Ἱρή, καὶ έστι ἱρὴ θεης Ἤρης .

it is called "the Sacred City," and is sacred to the goddess Hera.

δοκέει δέ μοι, τόδε ουνομα ουκ εγένετο ἅμα πόλει οικεομένῃ ,

it-seems to-me this name was-not-born at-same-time-as city was-being-inhabited

ao. γίγνομαι

αλλὰ τὸ μὲν αρχαῖον ῆν άλλο ,

but originally it-was another .

μετὰ δὲ σφίσι τῶν ἱρῶν μεγάλων γιγνομένων ες τόδε επωνυμίη απίκετο.

but later the great sacrifices were-happening this title arrived

ao. απο·̔ικνέομαι

ῶν έρχομαι ερέων ὁκόσα ταύτής ειστι εν τῇ περὶ πόλιος :

therefore i-am-going to-be-telling many-things are in this city,

fut. part. λέγω

ερέω δὲ καὶ τοῖσιν νόμους χρέωνται ες τὰ ἱρὰ,

I-will-say also which customs govern its holy rites,

καὶ πανηγύριας τὰς άγουσιν καὶ θυσίας τὰς επιτελέουσι .

of its popular assemblies and of the sacrifices offered by its citizens.

ερέω δὲ καὶ ὁκόσα μυθολογέουσι καὶ περὶ τῶν εἱσαμένων τὸ ἱρὸν,

I-will-speak also the-tells they-be-telling about of-those-establishing this holy place:

ao. part. ̔ίζω

καὶ ὅκως νηὸν εγένετο .

and in-what-way temple began .

ao.

καὶ τῶν απηγέομαι μαθών αυτοψίῃ μὲν τὰ ,

i-am-relating having-learned with-mine-own-eyes things

απο·̔ηγέομαι ao. part. μανθάςω

εδάην δὲ παρὰ τῶν ἱρέων ,

i-learned from those priests

ao. δάω

ὁκόσα εόντα πρεσβύτερα εμεῦ εγὼ ἱστορέω .

as-to-many-things-being-older than-me I narrate

πρῶτοι μὲν ῶν ανθρώπων τῶν ἡμεῖς ίδμεν Αιγύπτιοι λέγονται

The first men whom-we-know Egyptians receiving-knowledge

λαβεῖν τε εννοίην θεῶν καὶ είσασθαι ἱρὰ καὶ τεμένεα καὶ αποδεῖξαι πανηγύριας .

to-take notice of-the-gods and to-have-built temples and shrines and to-have-proclaimed festivals

ao. inf. λαμβάςω ao. inf. ̔ίζω ao. inf. απο·δείκνυμι

πρῶτοι δὲ καὶ έγνωσαν ἱρὰ ουνόματα καὶ έλεξαν ἱροὺς λόγους .

They-soon-after they-came-to-know sacrificial names and spoke sacred words

ao. γιγνώσκω ao. λέγω

μετὰ δὲ ου πολλοστῷ χρόνῳ Ἀσσύριο ήκουσαν λόγον παρα Αιγυπτίων ες θεοὺς ,

after not long time the Assyrians heard doctrines from Egyptians as to their gods,

ao. ακούω

καὶ ήγειραν ἱρὰ καὶ νηοὺς,

and they-erected temples and shrines:

ao. εγείρω

εν τοῖς καὶ εστήσαντο αγάλματα έθεντο καὶ ξόανα.

in which they-setup statues and placed images.

ao. ̔ίστημι ao. τίθημι

τὸ δὲ παλαιὸν καὶ έσαν αξόανοι παρα Αιγυπτίοισι νηοὶ.

Originally there were no images in Egyptian temples .

καὶ έστι ἱρὰ καὶ εν Συρίῃ ου παρὰ πολὺ ισοχρονέοντα τοῖς Αιγυπτίοισιν,

And there-is temples in Syria not much later equalling-in-age than those of Egypt,

pap

πλεῖστα τῶν εγὼ όπωπα,

many of which I have seen ,

perf. ̔ορέω

τό γε τοῦ Ἡρακλέος τὸ εν Τύρῳ,

for instance, temple-of-Hercules in Tyre.

τούτου ου τοῦ Ἡρακλέος τὸν Ἕλληνες αείδουσι ,

This is not the Hercules Greeks praise ;

αλλὰ τὸν εγὼ λέγω τε εστί Τύριος ἥρως πολλὸν αρχαιότερος .

but I say but is a-Tyrian hero much older .

ένι δὲ καὶ άλλο εν Φοινίκῃ μέγα ιρὸν έχουσι τὸ Σιδόνιοι .

There-is-in likewise in Phœnicia a-great-temple of great size owned by Sidonians.

ὡς μὲν εστὶ αυτοὶ λέγουσι Ἀστάρτης

for-instance there-is one they-call Astarte.

εγὼ δε δοκέω Ἀστάρτην έμμεναι Σεληναίην Ευρώπα .

I hold this-Astarte to be the-moon-goddess Europa

inf. ειμι

ὡς δὲ τις ἱρέων απήγετο μοί ,

in-this-case some priests related to-me

impf.

εστὶ αδελφεῆς Κάδμου :

is sister of Cadmus.

ταύτην δὲ εοῦσαν Ἀγήνορος τοῦ βασιλέως θυγατέρα,

She was the daughter of Agenor,

επειδὴ τε εγεγόνε αφανὴς Φοίνικες ετιμήσαντο τῆν νηῷ

since she-had-become invisible Phœnicians honored her with a temple

plpf. γίγνομαι

καὶ έλεξαν ἱρὸν λόγον επι τῇ,

and told a sacred legend about her;

ὅτι Ζεὺς επόθε εοῦσαν καλὴν

how that Zeus was-enamored of her for her beauty,

καὶ αμειψάμενος εῖδος εις ταῦρον

and having-changed-his form into a-bull

ao. part. αμείβω

ἥρπασε καί φέρων μιν απίκετο ες Κρήτην.

snatched and carrying her arrived into Crete.

ao. ̔αρπάζω ao.

τάδε μὲν καὶ ήκουον τῶν άλλων Φοινίκων,

this I-heard from other Phœnicians as well;

καὶ τὸ νόμισμα τῷ Σιδόνιοι χρέωνται

and the current coinage which Sidonians use

έχει τῷ Διί Ευρώπην εφεζομένην απι ταύρῳ :

has effigy of-Europa sitting upon a bull,

ουκ δὲ ὁμολογέουσι νηὸν έμμεναι Ευρώπης .

they-do-not-agree that-the-temple to-be Europa.

inf.

Φοίνικες δὲ έχουσι άλλο ἱρόν, αλλα Αιγύπτιον,

The Phœnicians have also another sacred custom, from Egypt

τὸ απίκετο εξ Ἡλίου πόλιος ες Φοινίκην.

it arrived from Heliopolis city into Phœnicia

ao.

εγὼ μέν ουκ όπωπα μιν,

I not-having-seen this

perf. ̔ορέω

εστι δὲ μέγα καὶ τόδε αρχαῖόν .

but it is important, and of great antiquity

εῖδον δὲ καὶ εν Βύβλῳ μέγα ἱρὸν Βυβλίης Ἀφροδίτης ,

I saw too at Byblos a large temple, Byblian Aphrodite

εν τῷ καὶ τὰ όργια ες Ἄδωνιν επιτελέουσιν εδάην δὲ καὶ όργια .

this is the scene of the secret-rites of Adonis: I mastered/learned these secret-rites .

ao. δάω

λέγουσι γὰρ δὴ ῶν τὸ έργον τὸ ες Ἄδωνιν ὑπὸ τοῦ συὸς γενέσθαι,

They-say for-indeed that the deeds-legend about Adonis and of-boar to-have-been-true,

ao. inf.

εν τῇ σφετέρῃ τῇ χώρῃ

and that the facts occurred in their country,

καὶ μνήμην τοῦ πάθεος τύπτονταί τε καὶ θρηνέουσι ἑκάστου έτεος

and in memory of this incident they beat their breasts and wail every year,

καὶ επιτελέουσι όργια καὶ σφίσι

and they-perform secret ritual

μεγάλα πένθεα ἵσταται ανὰ τὴν χώρην.

amid signs of mourning display through the whole countryside.

επεὰν δὲ αποτύψωνταί τε καὶ αποκλαύσωνται,

When they-should-have finished their mourning and wailing,

ao. subj. απο·τύπτω

καταγίζουσι μὲν πρῶτα τῷ Ἀδώνιδι ὅκως εόντι νέκυι,

they-sacrifice firstly to Adonis, as to one being dead :

μετὰ δὲ τῇ ἑτέρῃ ἡμέρῃ ζώειν τέ μιν μυθολογέουσι

after this they allege that he is alive again,

καὶ πέμπουσι ες τὸν ηέρα

and send his effigy to the sky.

καὶ ξύρονθαι τῶν κεφαλὰς ὅκως ευνοῦχυια Αιγύπτιοι .

they proceed to-have-their-heads-shaved , like the having-been-casterated Egyptians .

pass. inf. ao. part.

ένιοι δὲ Βυβλίων λέγουσι Αιγύπτιον Ὄσιριν εισὶ τεθάφθαι παρὰ σφίσι ,

Some of-Byblonians say that the Egyptian Osiris is buried in their town,

perf. pass. inf. θάπτω

καὶ τὰ πένθεα καὶ τὰ όργια ουκ ες Ἄδωνιν

and that the public mourning and secret rites are not to Adonis,

αλλα ες Ὄσιριν πάντα πρήσσεσθαι.

but that Osiris is buried

pass. inf. πρήσσω

ερέω δὲ καὶ ὁκόθεν καὶ τάδε δοκέουσι πιστὰ .

I-will-say from-whence this seems believable .

fut. λέγω

κεφαλὴ απικνέεται ἑκάστου ἔτεος εξ Αἰγύπτου ες Βύβλον

a-human-head comes every year from Egypt to Byblos,

πλώουσα ἑπτὰ ἡμερέων τὸν μεταξὺ πλόον ,

sailing of seven days' intervening-sailing-trip

καί οἱ άνεμοι φέρουσι μιν θείῃ ναυτιλίῃ: τρέπεται δὲ ουδαμά,

the winds bear it by divine seamanship , turns not-one

αλλα απικνέεται ες μούνην Βύβλον.

goes straight to Byblos.

καὶ τὸ σύμπαν έστι θωῦμα. καὶ τοῦτο γίγνεται ἑκάστου έτεος,

The whole occurrence is miraculous. It occurs every year,

καὶ εγένετο εμεῦ παρεόντος εν Βύβλῳ :

and it-happened me-being-present in Byblos

ao. γίγνομαι

καὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν εθεησάμην Βυβλίνην.

and I saw the head in that city.

ao. θεάομαι

ένι δὲ καὶ άλλο θωῦμα εν χώρῃ Βυβλίῃ.

there-is, too, another wonder in country of the Byblians.

ποταμὸς εκ ούρεος Λιβάνου εκδιδοῖ ες ἅλα :

A river, from Mount Libanus, discharges into sea :

τῷ ποταμῷ επικέαται ούνομα Ἄδωνις.

this river bears the name of Adonis.

ὁ δὲ ποταμὸς ἑκάστου έτεος αἱμάσσεται

the river every year stained-with-blood

καὶ τὴν χροιὴν ολέσας εσπίπτει ες τὴν θάλασσαν

and loses its proper color before it falls into the sea:

ao. part. όλλυμι

καὶ φοινίσσει τὸ πολλὸν τοῦ πελάγεος

it dyes (red) a-large sea :

καὶ σημαίνει τῶν πένθεα Βυβλίοις.

and thus announces their grief for-Byblians.

μυθέονται δὲ ὅτι ταύτῃσι τῇσι ἡμέρῃσιν ὁ Ἄδωνις ανὰ τὸν Λίβανον τιτρώσκεται,

Their story is that during these days Adonis is wounded,

καὶ ποταμὸν αλλάσσει τὸ αἷμα ερχόμενον ες τὸ ύδωρ

and that the river changes by the blood going into its waters;

καὶ τῷ ῥόῳ διδωσι τὴν επωνυμίην.

and that from-this-stream . it takes its name

οἱ πολλοὶ μὲν λέγουσι ταῦτα .

many-people say this Such is the legend vulgarly accepted:

τις δέ ανὴρ Βύβλιος , δοκέων λέγειν αληθέα , απήγετο εμοί

but some man of Byblos seeming to-speak truly , was-relating to-me

impf. απο·̔ηγέομαι

ἑτέρην αιτίην τοῦ πάθεος. έλεγε δὲ ὧδε :

another reason of-occurrence. He spoke as follows:

‘ὁ Ἄδωνις ὁ ποταμός , ῶ ξεῖνε, έρχεται διὰ τοῦ Λιβάνου :

"This river, O stranger , it-goes through the Libanus :

ὁ δὲ Λίβανος κάρτα ξανθόγεώς εστι .

now this Libanus abounds in red earth.

ἱστάμενοι τρηχέες άνεμοι ῶν εκείνῃσι τῇσι ἡμέρῃσι

The blowing strong winds which regularly on those days

pap

επιφέρουσι γῆν εοῦσαν μιλτώδεα ποταμῷ ες τὰ μάλιστα

carry earth being reddish to-river to-greatest degree .

ἡ δὲ γῆ τίθησι μιν αἱμώδεα καὶ τοῦδε τοῦ πάθεος ου αἷμα,

earth establishes it red. And thus of-occurrence not blood

τὸ λέγουσι , αλλα χώρη αιτίη.’

as they affirm, but soil cause ."

ὁ μέν μοι Βύβλιος τοσάδε απηγέετο:

This was the story of Byblian.

ει δὲ ατρεκέως έλεγε ταῦτα ,

but if genuinely said those-things ,

δοκέει μὲν εμοὶ ανέμου συντυχίη κάρτα θείη .

yet there-certainly-seems to-me wind’s occurrence very supernatural

ανέβην δὲ καὶ εκ Βύβλου ες Λίβανον,

I-went-up also from Byblos into Libanus,

ao. ανα·βαίνω

ἡμέρης ὁδὸν , πυθόμενος αυτόθι έμμεναι αρχαῖον ἱρὸν Ἀφροδίτης,

a day's journey, having-heard on-the-spot to-be ancient temple of-Aphrodite

ao. part. inf.

εἵσατο Κινύρης, καὶ εῖδον ἱρόν, καὶ αρχαῖον ἦν.

founded by Cinyras. I-saw temple, and it was indeed old.

ao. ̔ίζω

τάδε μέν εστι μεγάλα αρχαῖα ἱρά εν Συρίῃ

These then is the-many ancient temples in Syria.

καὶ τοσούτων δὲ εόντων ουδὲν δοκέει εμοὶ έμμεναι αγιώτερος

so-many such-as-they-are, none seem to-me to-be more-sacred

τῶν εν ἱρῇ πόλει μέζον ουδὲ άλλος νηὸς ουδὲ χώρη άλλη ἱροτέρη.

than those found in the sacred city no other shrine no country more holy

ένι δὲ εν αυτῷ καὶ έργα πολυτελέα

they possess some lovely work, some

καὶ αρχαῖα αναθήματα καὶ πολλὰ θωύματα

ancient offerings, many rare sights,

καὶ θεοπρεπέα ξόανα.

many striking statues,

καὶ θεοὶ δὲ κάρτα αυτοῖσι εμφανέες:

and the gods make their presence felt in no doubtful way.

τὰ ξόανα ἱδρώει γὰρ δὴ ῶν καὶ κίνεται καὶ χρησμηγορέει, παρὰ σφίσι

The statues sweat, and move and utter oracles, in-the-presence for-them

καὶ βοὴ δὲ πολλάκις εγένετο εν νηῷ κλεισθέντος ἱροῦ,

a-shout my-many happened when temple having-been-closed of-temple

ao. pass. part. κλείω

καὶ πολλοὶ ήκουσα . ναὶ μὴν καὶ πρῶτόν εστι όλβου πέρι εν τοῖσι εγὼ οῖδα

many heard and yes moreover foremost is of-wealth aroung them I myself know

πολλὰ γὰρ χρήματα απικνέται τοῖσι έκ τε Ἀραβίης

For much money comes to-them from Arabia,

καὶ Φοινίκων καὶ Βαβυλωνίων δὲ καὶ φέρουσι τὰ ,

and Phœnicians and Babylonians : and bring tribute.

εγὼ δὲ εῖδον καὶ τὰ νηῷ λάθρῃ αποκέαται,

And I-saw it in-temple secretly stored

πολλὴν εσθῆτα καὶ άλλα ὁκόσα αποκέκριται ες άργυρον ὴ ες χρυσὸν.

many garments, and other as-many as-have-been-rendered into silver and gold

perf. απο͂λρίνω

ουδαμοῖσι μὲν γὰρ άλλοισιν ανθρώπων τοσαίδε ὁρταὶ καὶ πανηγύριες αποδεδέχαται.

Nowhere among mankind are so many festivals and sacred assemblies have-been-approved .

perf. απο·δέκομαι

ἱστορέοντι δέ μοι ετέων πέρι, ὁκόσα ἱρῷ εστι ,

to-me inquiring concerning years as-many-as temple is

καὶ ἥντινα δοκέουσι τὴν θεὸν αυτοὶ ,

and whom they deemed the goddess to be,

πολλοὶ λόγοι ελέγοντο μοι , τῶν οἱ μὲν ἱροί, οἱ δὲ εμφανέες,

many tales were-told to me, some of which were sacred, and some-well-known ;

οἱ δὲ κάρτα μυθώδεες, καὶ άλλοι βάρβαροι,

some, again, were legends ; others barbarians' tales ;

οἱ μὲν τοῖσιν Ἕλλησιν ὁμολογέοντες :

others again tallied with the Greek accounts.

πάντας μὲν τοὺς εγὼ ερέω, δέκομαι δὲ ουδαμά.

All these I am ready to narrate, but I-accept none-of-them

οἱ μὲν ῶν πολλοὶ λέγουσι Δευκαλίωνα ὴ Σκύθεα εἵσασθαι ἱρὸν ,

some say then, allege that it was Deukalion or Sisythus who founded temple;

ao. inf.

τοῦτον Δευκαλίωνα επὶ τοῦ τὸ πολλὸν ὕδωρ εγένετο.

I mean the Deukalion in whose time the great flood occurred.

ao.

ήκουσα δὲ λόγον πέρι Δευκαλίωνος εν Ἕλλησιν,

I-have-heard the story about Deukalion as the Greeks

επι Ἕλληνες τον λέγουσι αυτῷ . ὁ δὲ μῦθος ὧδε έχει.

from the Greeks which they-say themselves. The story thus has :

ἥδε ἡ γενεή, οἱ νῦν άνθρωποι, ου πρῶτοι εγένοντο,

The present race of men not first created.

ao.

αλλα εκείνη μὲν πάντες γενεὴ ώλοντο,

The other one all race perished

ao. όλλυμι

οὗτοι δὲ εισί δευτέρου γένεος ,

these are second creation.

τὸ αῦτις απίκετο ες πληθὺν εκ Δευκαλίωνος.

This arrived into vast multitude, from Deukalion.

ao. απο·̔ικνέομαι

τῶν δὲ πέρι τῶν ανθρώπων τάδε μυθέονται :

around those people this is-said :

έπρησσον ὑβρισταὶ κάρτα εόντες αθέμιστα έργα,

they were rebellious, lawless, and performed unholy deeds,

impf.

ούτε γὰρ εφύλασσον ὅρκια ούτε ξείνους εδέκοντο ούτε ἱκετέων ηνείχοντο,

disregarding the sanctity of oaths and hospitality, and behaving cruelly to beggars

impf. ανα·έχω

ανθ᾽ ὧν σφίσι μεγάλη συμφορὴ απίκετο.

in response to-which for-these great events arrived

ao.

αυτίκα γῆ εκδιδοῖ πολλὸν ὕδωρ

straightway earth discharged much water,

καὶ μεγάλο όμβροι εγένοντο καὶ ποταμοὶ κατέβησαν μέζονες

much heavenly-rains came rivers descended more-full

ao. κατα·βαίνω

καὶ θάλασσα ανέβη επὶ πολλὸν ,

and sea rose-up much upon .

ao.

ες ὃ πάντα εγένοντο ὕδωρ καὶ πάντες ώλοντο,

Thus everything became water, and all-people perished;

ao. όλλυμαι

Δευκαλίων δὲ μοῦνος ανθρώπων ελίπετο ες δευτέρην γενεήν

Deukalion was lone person left into second race

ao. λείπω

ευβουλίης τε καὶ εἵνεκα τοῦ ευσεβέος .

because-of-good-behavior for-the-sake-of righteousness

τοῦ δὲ σωτηρίη ἥδε εγένετο:

his salvation was as follows:

μεγάλην λάρνακα , τὴν αυτὸς εῖχε,

large ark which he-himself had

ες εσβιβάσας τοῦ παῖδάς τε καὶ γυναῖκας εσέβη ἑωυτοῦ :

having-put-on-board his children and wives he-boarded himself

ao. part. εσβιβάζω ao. ες βαίνω

εσβαίνοντι δέ σύες καὶ ἵπποι απίκοντο

they-embarked, pig horses came

καὶ γένεα λεόντων καὶ όφιες καὶ άλλα ὁκόσα νέμονται εν γῇ,

and generations of lions and serpents, and many others pasturing on earth,

πάντα ες ζεύγεα. ὁ δὲ εδέκετο πάντα ,

all in couples. He welcomed them all.

καί ουκ εσίνοντο μιν , αλλά διόθεν φιλίη εγένετο μεγάλη σφι .

Nor did they harm him , and from-Zeus friendship remained amongst them

καὶ εν μιῇ λάρνακι πάντες έπλευσαν έστε τὸ ὕδωρ επεκράτεε

These, one and all, floated in this ark while flood was-ruling

impf.

τὰ μὲν πέρι Δευκαλίωνος Ἕλληνες ἱστορέουσι.

This is the legend concerning Deukalion the Greeks were-telling

impf.

τὸ δὲ λέγεται του απὸ λόγος ὑπὸ τῶν εν ἱρῇ πόλει

But tell it’s further story from them in Hierapolis,

μεγάλως άξιος θωυμάσαι,

and greatly worthy to-wonder-at

ao.

ὅτι εν σφετέρῃ χώρῃ μέγα χάσμα εγένετο καὶ τὸ κατεδέξατο σύμπαν ὕδωρ :

that in-their country a mighty chasm became which received all the water,

ao. κατα δέκομαι

Δευκαλίων δέ, επεὶ τάδε εγένετο, εθετο τε βωμούς

and that Deukalion when this happened dedicated altars

ao.

καὶ εστήσατο νηὸν ἅγιον Ἥρης επὶ χάσματι .

and established a temple sacred to-Hera above this chasm.

ao.

εγὼ δὲ εῖδον καὶ τὸ χάσμα,

I have actually seen this chasm,

καὶ έστι ὑπὸ νηῷ κάρτα μικρόν.

it-is under temple and is very small

ει μὲν ῶν πάλαι καὶ μέγα εὸν νῦν τοιόνδε εγένετο,

If long-ago large size was whether it became such as it is now

ουκ οἶδα : εγὼ δὲ εῖδον τὸ εστι μικρόν .

I don’t know but I-saw it is small

σῆμα δὲ τῆς ἱστορίης τόδε πρήσσουσιν.

They maintain that their tale is proved by the following

δὶς ἑκάστου έτεος ύδωρ απικνέεται εκ θαλάσσης ες νηὸν.

twice in every year the water comes from sea to temple.

ουκ δὲ μοῦνον ἱρέες φέρουσι ,

not only priests carry ;

αλλὰ πᾶσα Συρίη καὶ Ἀραβίη,

but all Syria and Arabia

καὶ πολλοὶ άνθρωποι πέρηθεν τοῦ Εὐφρήτεω έρχονται ες θάλασσαν

and many men from beyond the Euphrates go to sea;

καὶ πάντες φέρουσιν ὕδωρ,

all bring water

τὸ πρῶτα μὲν εκχέουσι εν νηῷ,

which they first pour-out in temple;

μετὰ δὲ κατέρχεται ες χάσμα,

then this water passes down into chasm

καὶ τὸ χάσμα εὸν μικρὸν δέκεται πολλόν χρῆμα ὕδατος .

which, chasm being small, takes much quantity of water.

pap

ποιέοντες δὲ τὰ, λέγουσι Δευκαλίωνα θέσθαι τόνδε νόμον ἱρῷ

those-doing things say Deukalion established law in that temple,

ao. inf.

συμφορῆς τε καὶ ευεργεσίης έμμεναι μνῆμα.

of-event well-doing to-be memories

Ὁ μὲν ῶν αυτοῖσι αρχαῖος λόγος αμφὶ ἱροῦ τοιόσδε εστί .

among-them ancient story on-both-sides of-temple is-as-follows

άλλοι δὲ Σεμίραμιν Βαβυλωνίην,

Others Semiramis of Babylon,

τῆς δὴ πολλὰ έργα εστί εν Ἀσίῃ,

whose indeed many works is in Asia,

νομίζουσι ταύτην εἵσασθαι καὶ τόδε ἕδος ουκ Ἥρῃ

they-believe that she founded this foundation nor to Hera,

ao. inf. ̔ίζω

δὲ εἵσασθαι αλλὰ μητρὶ ἑωυτῆς, τῆς ούνομα Δερκετὼ.

but founded to-her-own mother , whose name Derceto.

εθεησάμην δὲ Δερκετοῦς εῖδος εν Φοινίκῃ,

and i-viewed Derketo’s form in Phœnicia

θέημα ξένον ἡμισέη μὲν γυνή,

wonderful sight it is; one half is a woman,

τὸ δὲ ὁκόσον εκ μηρῶν ες άκρους πόδας αποτείνεται ιχθύος ουρὴ.

the other part from thighs to ends to feet extends out fish tail.

ἡ δὲ εν ἱρῇ πόλει εστι πᾶσα γυνή ,

but statue in Hierapolis is all woman.

πίστιες δὲ αυτοῖσι λόγου ου κάρτα εμφανέες.

The-assurances amoung-this not very evident

νομίζουσιν ιχθύας ἱρὸν χρῆμα καὶ ούκοτε ψαύουσι ιχθύων :

they deem fishes holy objects, and never touch fish ,

καὶ σιτέονται όρνιθας μὲν άλλους, ου δὲ σιτέονται περιστερὴν μούνην,

eating birds others not eating pigeons

αλλὰ σφίσι ἥδε ἱρή.

but for-them this is-sacred.

τὰ δὲ δοκέει τοῖς εἵνεκα γιγνόμενα ποιέεσθαι Δερκετοῦς καὶ Σεμιράμιος,

It appears to-them then becoming was done of Derceto and Semiramis.

τὸ μὲν ὅτι Δερκετὼ έχει μορφὴν ιχθύος,

The former, because Derceto has form of fish;

τὸ δὲ ὅτι τέλος Σεμιράμιος απίκετο ες περιστερὴν.

the latter, because lower end of Semiramis comes-to-a-pigeon

ao. απο ʼικέομαι

αλλα εγὼ τὸν μὲν ὅτι νηὸν Σεμιράμιος έργον εστὶ τάχα κου δέξομαι :

I, however, should probably conclude that the temple in question belongs to Semiramis;

ουδαμὰ δὲ πείθομαι ἱρὸν έμμεναι Δερκετοῦς,

I-am-not-persuaded shrine to-be Derceto’s

επεὶ καὶ παρα ενίοισι Αιγυπτίων ου σιτέονται ιχθύας ,

since even among some Egyptians no eat fish ,

καὶ ου χαρίζονται τάδε Δερκετοῖ.

and they-no-grant this for Derceto.

έστι δὲ καὶ άλλος λόγος ἱρός,

There is, however, another sacred-story

τὸν εγὼ ήκουσα σοφοῦ ανδρὸς,

which I-heard of-wise man

ὅτι ἡ μὲν θεὴ εστί Ῥέη , τὸ δὲ ἱρὸν ποίημα Ἄττεω .

that the goddess is Rhea, and shrine the work of Attes.

Ἄττης δὲ γένος μὲν Λυδὸς ἦν,

Now this Attes was by nation a Lydian,

πρῶτος δὲ εδιδάξατο τὰ όργια τὰ ες Ῥέην.

and he first taught the sacred mysteries of Rhea.

ao.

καὶ τὰ επιτελέουσι Φρύγες καὶ Λυδοὶ καὶ Σαμόθρᾳκες,

and these-things they-practice of Phrygians and Lydians and Samothracians

πάντα έμαθον Ἄττεω.

all-this was-learned from Attes.

ao. μανθάνο

ὡς γάρ Ῥέη ευνουχιζετο μιν ,

when Rhea castrated him

μὲν απεπαύσατο βίου ανδρηίου,

he ceased of-living-a-man

ao. απο παύω

ημείψατο δὲ μορφὴν θηλέην καὶ ενεδύσατο εσθῆτα γυναικηίην

he-changed form to-a-female put-on dress of-woman

ao. αμείβω ao. εν δύω

καὶ φοιτέων ες πᾶσαν γῆν επετέλεε τε όργιά

and roaming over whole earth he-kept-performing mysterious rites,

impf.

καὶ απηγέετο βίος εῖναι ευνοῦχου καὶ ήειδε Ῥέην.

narrating life of-being-eunuch and praised Rhea.

impf. αείδω

εν τοῖσιν καὶ απίκετο ες Συρίην.

among which places he-entered into Syria.

εποιήσατο ̔ουτος ἱρὸν έπαιςεων όργια :

he-she-established this temple to-practice orgy-mysteries

έλεγεν δὲ καὶ Γάλλων πέρι, οἳ εισιν εν τῷ ἱρῷ,

He also affirmed about the Galli who are in the temple

ευνοῦχιζουσι αυτούς Ἥρῃ ου ̔ρέῃ ,

castrate themselves in honour of Hera not Rhea

καὶ ήκουσα άλλην αιτίην τῶν ευνοῦχω

I-have-heard another reason given for their castration.

ἁνδάνει δέ μοι ἃ λέγουσι περι ἱροῦ

it-is-pleasing to-me what they-say about temple

ὁμολογέοντες τὰ πολλὰ τοῖς Ἕλλησι,

agreeing for-the-most-part with the Greeks

pap

δοκέοντες τὴν μὲν θεὸν Ἥρην,

according to these the goddess is Hera,

τὸ δε έργον ποίημα Διονύσου

but the work was made by Dionysus,

καὶ γὰρ δὴ Διόνυσος απίκετο ες Συρίην τοῦ ὁδὸν ερχομενος ̔υπο Αιθιοπίην.

Dionysus arrived in Syria on his journey coming from Aethiopia.

καὶ έστι εν ἱρῷ̀̀ πολλὰ σήματα Διονύσου ποιητέω ,

There-is in temple many tokens that Dionysus was actual founder:

εν τοῖσι καὶ βάρβαροι εσθῆτες

for instance, barbaric raiments ,

καὶ Ἰνδοὶ λίθοι καὶ ελεφάντων κέρεα,

Indian precious stones, and elephants' tusks

τὰ ήνεικεν Διόνυσος εξ Αἰθιόπων,

things brought by Dionysus from Aethiopians.

ao. φέρω

καὶ δύο φαλλοὶ κάρτα μεγάλοι ἑστᾶσι ὲν προπυλαίοισι,

Further, a pair of phalli of great size standing at gateway,

pf. ̔ίστημι

επὶ τῶν επίγραμμα τοιόνδε επιγέγραπται,

bearing the inscription, such having-been-inscribed

perf.

‘ τούσδε Διόνυσος ανέθηκα φαλλοὺς μητρυιῇ Ἥρῃ.’

"I, Dionysus, dedicated these phalli to my stepmother Hera ."

ao. ανα τίθημι

καὶ ἐμοὶ μέν νυν τόδε αρκέει,

for-me this-now-satisfies.

ερέω δὲ καὶ ἄλλα όργιον ὅ τι εστὶ εν νηῷ Διονύσου.

And I-will-describe another rite which is in temple of Dionysus

Ἕλληνες εγείρουσι φαλλοὺς Διονύσῳ ,

Greeks erect phalli for-Dionysus,

επὶ τῶν καὶ φέρουσι τοιόνδε τι ,

and upon which the-carry, such something

άνδρας μικροὺς πεποιημένους εκ ξύλου ,

mannikins having-been-made out of-wood,

perf. part

μεγάλα αιδοῖα έχοντας:

with enormous genitals ;

καλέονται δὲ τάδε νευρόσπαστα.

they-call these puppets.

έστι δὲ καὶ τόδε εν ἱρῷ εν δεξιῇ μικρὸς χάλκεος νηοῦ

There-is something-else in temple: on the right a-small-bronse-statue

ανὴρ κάθηται έχων μέγα αιδοῖον.

man sits having enormous genitals

τοσάδε μὲν μυθολογέουσι αμφὶ οικιστέων ἱροῦ .

These are the legends concerning of-founders of temple.

ήδη δὲ ερέω καὶ πέρι θέσιός νηοῦ τε ὅκως εγένετο

I-will-proceed-to-speak placement of-temple how it became

καὶ ὅστις εποιήσατο μιν .

and who built it.

λέγουσι νηὸν νῦν εόντα μὴ έμμεναι τὸν τὴν γεγενημένον αρχὴν,

They-say temple now existing not being that which was-being-built originally:

perf. part.

αλλα εκεῖνον μὲν κατενεχθῆναι χρόνῳ ὕστερον,

the primitive temple fell to pieces in the course of time

ao. pass. inf. κατα φέρω

τὸν δὲ νῦν εόντα έμμεναι ποίημα Στρατονίκης ,

the-one-now-being being the work of Stratonice,

γυναικὸς Ἀσσυρίων βασιλέως.

wife of-Assyrians king .

δοκέει δέ μοι Στρατονίκη έμμεναι εκείνη,

it-seems to-me Stratonice to-be whom

τῆς πρόγονος ηρήσατο,

her stepson loved

ao. επάμαι

τὸν επινοίη ιητροῦ ήλεγξεν :

whom the-attention of-doctor exposed :

ao.

ὡς γάρ συμφορὴ κατέλαβε μιν ,

as misfortune seized him

ao. κατα λαμβάνω

αμηχανέων κακῷ δοκέοντι αισχρῷ ενόσεε κατα ἡσυχίην,

being-at-loss-in-the-face-of an-evil-seeming shameful , he-started being still .

pap κακῷ impf.

έκειτο δὲ αλγέων ουδέν,

He-layed, and although suffering-no-pain ,

καὶ οἱ ἥ τε χροιὴ πάμπαν ετρέπετο

and his colour was-wholly-gone,

καὶ σῶμα δια ἡμέρης εμαραίνετο.

and body withered through of-day

ὁ δὲ ἰητρὸς ὡς εῖδέ αρρωστέοντα μιν ες ουδὲν εμφανὲς,

The doctor, saw that-he-was-suffering from no definite disease,

pap

έγνω νοῦσον έμμεναι έρωτα .

recognized sickness to-be love.

ao. γιγνώσκω

πολλὰ δὲ αφανέος σημήια έρωτος ,

Many the sign of secret love:

ασθενέες τε οφθαλμοί καὶ φωνὴ καὶ χροιὴ καὶ δάκρυα.

weaknesses of vision, voice and complexion, and tears

ιητρός δὲ μαθὼν εποίεε ταῦτα :

The doctor having-learned did things ,

ao. part. μανθάνω

εῖχε δεξιῇ χειρὶ μὲν καρδίην νεηνίσκου ,

was-holding right hand to heart of young man,

impf. έχω

εκάλεε δὲ ανὰ πάντας οικίην :

and summoned all the domestics .

δὲ τῶν μὲν πάντων άλλων εσιόντων ῆν εν μεγάλῃ ηρεμίῃ,

all others entering he-was in great quietude

pap

ὡς δὲ μητρυιὴ απίκετο , ηλλάξατο τε χροιὴν

as stepmother entered he-suddenly-changed to-pale

ao.

καὶ άρξατο ἱδρώειν καὶ είχετο τρόμῳ καὶ καρδίη ανεπάλλετο.

and started to-sweating and was-seized to-tremble, and heart began-beating-rapidly.

impf.

τὰ δὲ γιγνόμενα , εποίεε έρωτα εμφανέα ιητρῷ τὸν

These-things becoming , made love obvious to-doctor.

καί ὧδε ιήσατο μιν .

and thus treated him

αο. ιάομαι

καλέσας νεηνίσκου πατέρα κάρτα ορρωδέοντα,

Summoning the young man's father, being-very-anxious ,

pap

‘ ἥδε νοῦσος,’ ἔφη, ‘ ὅδε παῖς αρρωστέει,

‘ and this illness ‘ he said ‘ this son is-sick

ου εστι νοῦσός , αλλὰ αδικίη:

is not desease , but of-wrongdoing :

ὅδε γάρ τοι αλγέει μὲν ουδέν,

" while he suffers nothing

έρως δέ καὶ φρενοβλαβείη έχει μιν .

yet love and madness has him .

επιθυμέει δὲ τῶν τεύξεται ουδαμὰ ,

he-desires which he-will-come-upon nothing

fut. τυγχάνω

φιλέων εμήν γυναῖκα, τὴν εγὼ ούτι μετήσομαι.’

“ loving my wife, whom I will never give up."

ὁ μὲν ῶν τοιάδε εψεύδετο σοφίῃ .

This therefore such was-trick of wise physician.

ὁ δὲ αυτίκα ελίσσετο ιητρον,

he straightway was-begging the doctor

impf.

‘πρός τε σοφίης καὶ ιητρικῆς, μή μοι παῖδα ολέσῃς :

by his wisdom and doctorial-skill not to let his son perish

τοῦ νοῦσος ου γὰρ εθέλων ταύτῃ συμφορῇ, έσχετο αεκουσίη.

"His malady depended not on his wish ; it was-held involuntary.

ao. έχω

λισσε οῦν ιητρος , τί ποιεωμεν

Pray then doctor , what do we do ?

imper. subj.

ιητρος αμείβοτο , ʼ ευνοῦχος εστι άριστος άκος ʼ

the doctor replied, ‘ castration is best cure ‘

ὧδε μὲν ιητρὸς έρωτα έγνω τε καὶ ιήσατο.

thus doctor detected and cured the malady.

ποτέ μετα , Στρατονίκη εθεήσατο εν όναρι

sometime later , Stratonice saw in vision

ʼΉρη κελεύμενα τῆν εγεῖραι νηον ̔οῦτῄ θεῃ εν ̔ιρῇ πόλει

Hera ordering her to-rear a-temple to this goddess at Heirapolis .

ιε δε απειθέοι πολλὰ καὶ κακὰ τυγχανω

if she-disobeyed, much bad would-happen

op. subj.

δὲ τὰ μὲν πρῶτα βασίλεια ουδεμίαν ώρην εποιέετο μετὰ δέ,

at first the-queen began by disregarding the dream, but later,

ὥς μεγάλη νοῦσος έλαβε μιν ,

when a-dangerous illness seized her ,

ao. λαμβάνω

απηγήσατο τε τὴν όψιν ανδρὶ

she-told her vision to-husband,

ao. απο ʼηγέομαι

καὶ ἱλάσκετο Ἥρην καὶ ὑπεδέξατο στήσειν νηὸν.

and appeased Hera, and undertook to-establish temple.

ao. ̔ειπ δείκνυμι fut. inf. ̔ίστημι

καὶ αυτίκα γενομένην ὑγιέα ανὴρ έπεμπε τὴν ες ἱρὴν πόλιν,

straightaway having-became healthy husband sent her to Hierapolis,

ao. part.

σὺν δὲ καὶ χρὴματα καὶ πολλήν στρατιὴν,

and with money and large army

τοὺς μὲν οικοδομέειν, τοὺς δὲ καὶ εἵνεκα ασφαλέος .

the-former to-build the-latter for-the-sake-of protection .

καλέσας δέ τινα τῶν ἑωυτοῦ φίλων, νεηνίην κάρτα καλόν,

having-summoned one of her friends a-young-man very handsome ,

ao. part.

τῷ οὔνομα ῆν Κομβάβος, έφη, ‘εγώ οῖσα τοι, ῶ Κομβάβε,

whose name was Combabus, and said, " I know you ,Combabus,

εσθλὸν εόντα φίλων εμῶν φιλέω τε μάλιστα

being good of-my-friends i-love you most

pap

καὶ πάμπαν επαινέω σοφίης τε καὶ ευνοίης ες ἡμέας,

and I-wholly-approve because-of-your-wisdom and for-the-goodwill towards-me .

ἣν δὴ επεδέξαο. νῦν δέ χρειὼ μεγάλης πίστιος μοι ,

which you-have-dislayed now i-want large trust to-me

σ ao. επι δείκνυμι

τῷ σε θέλω σὺ ἑσπόμενον εμῇ γυναικὶ τέ επιτελέσαι μοι έργον

therefore I-wish you having-accompanyed my wife, to-accomplish my work,

ao. part.

καὶ τελέσαι ἱρὰ καὶ σοὶ επικρατέειν εμοῦ στρατιῆς

and to-perform sacrifices due, and for-you to-command my army.

ao. inf.

δὲ απικομένῳ έσσεται μεγάλη τιμὴ εξ ἡμέων .’

having-returned there-will-be great honor from us

ao. part. fut. ειμί

πρὸς τάδε Κομβάβος αυτίκα λίσσετο πολλὰ λιπαρέων

in-answer-to that Combabus straightaway begged and prayed

unaug. impr.

μή μιν εκπέμπειν μηδὲ πιστεύειν τον εν τῳ μέζονα ἑωυτοῦ

not to-be-despatched, and not to-trust in-matters greater then-himself

inf.

χρήματα καὶ γυναῖκα καὶ ἱρόν έργον.

---moneys and wife and holy work

τὰ δὲ ορρώδεε μὴ κοτέ οἱ ζηλοτυπίη ὑστέρῳ χρόνῳ εγένοιτο ες Στρατονίκην ,

he-was-dreading lest some jealousy later time might-make-itself-felt with Stratonice

unaug. impf. ao. op.

τὴν μοῦνος έμελλεν απάξειν.

whom alone he was about to-lead-away

fut. inf. απάγω

ὡς δὲ ουδαμὰ επείθετο,

since he(king) was-not-persuaded he consent to escort her.

ἅπτεται δὲ ἱκεσίης δευτέρης δοῦναί επτὰ ἡμερέων χρόνον ,

he-fastens-onto prayer next to-grant 7 days time

The king, however, refused to be moved; so

ao. inf. δίδωμι

εδέετο δὲ μιν αποστεῖλαί μετὰ τελέσαντὰ τι τῶν μάλιστα.

he-asked him to-send-him-forth after completing what of-those-things important

ao. inf. απο στέλλω ao. part.

τυχὼν δὲ ῥηιδίως, απικνέεται ες ἑωυτοῦ οῖκον

having- easily-gotten he departs to his house,

ao. part. τυγχάνω

καὶ πεσὼν χαμᾶζε τοιάδε ωδύρετο ‘ὼ δείλαιος,

throwing-himself to-the-ground, he-was-lementing O sorrow :

ao. part. πίπτω impf. οδύρομαι

τί ταύτης πίστιος μοι ;

Why this trust in-me ?

τί δέ ὁδοῦ μοι , τῆς τέλος ήδη δέρκομαι ;

what journey for-me , of-which end I already see?

εγὼ μὲν ειμί νέος καὶ γυναικὶ ἕψομαι καλῇ .

I am young and the lady I-will-escort fair.

fut. ̔έπομαι

τόδε έσσεται μεγάλη συμφορὴ μοι ,

This will-be mighty disaster for-me ,

fut.

ει μὴ έγωγε αποθήσομαι πᾶσαν αιτίην κακοῦ:

unless I put-away entirely cause of-trouble .

fut. απο τίθημι

τῷ χρῆν αποτελέσαι μέγα έργον ,

Therefore it-is-necessary to-accomplish mighty deed

ao. inf. χρὴ

̔ ος ιήσεται πάντα μοι φόβον.’

which will-heal all my fears.

Τάδε ειπὼν , ̔ο ευνουχίζετο αυτός

" having-said this he casterated himself

ao. λέγω ao.

καὶ ταμὼν κατέθετο τόν αιδοῖα ες μικρὸν αγγήιον

having-snipped he-stowed-away his testicles in a little urn

ao. part. τάμνω ao. κατα τίθημι

ἅμα τε σμύρνῃ καὶ μέλιτι καὶ άλλοισι θυώμασι :

together with myrrh and honey and various incenses

καὶ έπειτα σημηνάμενος σφρηγῖδι ιῆτο τρῶμα,

then having-sealed with-seal he-set-about-healing wound

ao. part. σημαίνω impf. ιάομαι

μετὰ δέ, ὥς εδόκεε αυτός ὁδοιπορέειν,

As soon as he-deemed himself fit to-travel

απικόμενος ες τὸν βασιλέα πολλῶν παρεόντων ἅμα τε διδοτι αγγήιον

arriving to the king, of-many-being-present at-once gives urn

καὶ λέγει ὧδε ‘ ῶ δέσποτα,

and spoke as follows: "Master!

τόδε μοι μέγα κειμήλιον απεκέατο εν μευ οικείοισι,

This my great treasure was-stored in my house,

impf.

εγὼ κάρτα επόθεον νῦν δὲ επεὶ έρχομαι μεγάλην ὁδὸν,

and I very-much love : but now because i-go on long journey

τόδε θήσομαι παρὰ σοὶ .

this i-will-place with you

fut. τίθημι

σὺ δέ έχειν ασφαλέως μοι τόδε γάρ βέλτερον χρυσοῦ μοι ,

you keep save for-me for-this better than gold to me

εῦτε ὰν δὲ απίκωμαι αποίσομαι αῦτις σόον .’

when i-shall-return i-will-retrieve again safe

subj. fut. απο φέρω

ὁ δὲ δεξάμενος εσημαίνετο ἑτέρῃ σφρηγῖδι

receiving placing/marking with another seal

καὶ ενετείλατο τοῦ ταμίῃσι φρουρέειν.

he-enjoined to his treasurers to-guard .

ao. εν τελείω

Κομβάβος μέν απὸ νυν ηνυεν τοῦδε ὁδὸν ασφαλέα

So Combabus from now continued his journey in peace.

impf.

απικόμενοι δὲ ες ἱρὴν πόλιν οικοδόμεον νηὸν σπουδῇ

Arriving at Hierapolis they-were-building temple with-haste

unaug. impf.

εν τοῖσι απέβαινε τάπερ ὁ Κομβάβος ορρώδεεν.

Meantime the event came to pass which Combabus was-fearing

unaug. impf.

Στρατονίκη γὰρ συνόντα μιν επὶ πολλὸν χρόνον άρχετο ποθέειν μιν ,

Stratonice began to love him who being-with-her for so long begain to-desire him

pap

μετὰ δὲ ̔η καὶ κάρτα επεμήνατο.

later she-became-madly-in-love

ao. επι μαίνομαι

καὶ οἱ εν ἱρῇ πόλει λέγουσι τὴν θεαν Ἥρην εθέλουσαν γενέσθαι αιτίην τουτέων ,

Those of Hierapolis affirm that goddess Hera willingly was-to-generate cause of-trouble:

pap ao. inf.

θεα εσθλὸν μὲν Κομβάβον εόντα λαθέειν μηδαμά,

the goddess knew full well that Combabus being good-man , did not go unnoticed

ao. inf.

τίσασθαι δὲ Στρατονίκην , ὅτι ου ῥηιδίως ὑπίσχετο νηὸν.

but she wished to-punish Stratonice because unwillingness to undertake building temple.

ao. ̔υπο ισχνέομαι

βασίλρια δὲ τὰ μὲν πρῶτα εσωφρόνεε αυτήν

The queen was at first coy and keep-controlling herself ,

impf.

καὶ νοῦσον έκρυπτε έρως δέ τοῦ εγένετο μέζον ἡσυχίης ,

but with illness gone passion of-him became greater than-inaction

ες εμφανὲς ετρύχετο κλαίεσκέ τε δια ἡμέρης

she-was-pining weeping throughout the-day

impf. impf.

καὶ ανεκαλέετο Κομβάβον

and calling to-Combabus

impf.

τέλος δὲ αμηχανέουσα συμφορῇ

At last, being-helpless to master her passion,

βασίλρια εδίζητο ευπρεπέα ἱκεσίην.

the queen sought a suitable occasion for supplicating his love.

άλλῳ μὲν ὁμολογέειν εφυλάσσετο τῆν έρωτα,

to-anyone-else she-guarded her passion

̔η δὲ αιδέετο επιχειρέειν.

she was-ashamed to-enact

ῶν επινοέει τοιάδε,

Finally she-hits-upon the-following;

ἑωυτὴν μεθύσασα οίνῳ , ελθεῖν ες λόγους .

having-made-herself-drunk with-wine , to-come in words

ao. part. μεθύσκω

ἅμα δὲ οίνῳ εσιόντι παρρησίη τε εσέρχεται

together with-wine entering openness arrises

for courage rises after drinking and a repulse seems then

pap ες έρχομαι

καὶ αποτυχίη ου κάρτα αισχρή,

failure not very abusive

αλλὰ ἕκαστα πρησσομένων αναχωρέει ες αγνοίην.

each of-these-things-being-done he-rejecting to-my-oblivion

pap

ὡς δέ ̔η εδόκεε, καὶ εποίεε ταῦτα.

Thus she acted did things .

impf.

καὶ επεὶ εγένοντο εκ δείπνου,

when they-were from the-table

απικομένη ες οικεῖα εν τοῖσι Κομβάβος αυλίζετο,

arriving at chamber in which Combabus dwelt,

λίσσετό τε καὶ ἅπτετο τον γούνων

and was-begging , was-touching his knees,

unaug. impf.

καὶ ὡμολόγεε την έρωτα .

and she avowed her guilty love.

ὁ δὲ απεδέκετο την λόγον καὶ απηγήσατο αυτῶν πάθην

He heard her words explained their misfortune

and he told her all his

καὶ τὸ έργον ες εμφανὲς ήνεικεν.

story and narrated all that he had done and finally

ιδοῦσα δὲ ἡ Στρατονίκη τὰ ούποτε έλπετο,

disclosed to her the manifest proofs of his statement.

μανίης μὲν εκείνης έσχετο, έρωτος δὲ ουδαμὰ ελήθετο,

When the queen witnessed this unexpected proof her

αλλὰ πάντα οἱ συνεοῦσα ταύτην παραμυθίην εποιέετο έρωτος απρήκτοιο.

passion indeed was quenched, but she never forgot her love,

but in all her intercourse she cherished the solace of her unavailing affection.

ὁ μνήμη οὗτος έρως έστι έτι νῦν γίγνεται εν ἱρῇ πόλει :

The memory of this love is still now alive at Hierapolis

γυναῖκες εκεῖ έτι επιθυμέουσι Γάλλων

the women there still are-enamoured of-castrates ,

καὶ Γάλλοι επιμαίνονται γυναιξὶ ,

and the-castrates are-enamoured with-women

ζηλοτυπέει δὲ ουδείς,

but with no jealousies

αλλὰ χρῆμα κάρτα ἱρὸν σφίσι νομίζουσι .

but they-believe this-matter is-very-sacred to-them

τὰ δε ῶν εν τῇ ἱρῇ πόλει αμφὶ τὴν Στρατονίκην ουδαμὰ τὸν ' βασιλέα λέληθε , 11111111111111

The king was well informed by Stratonice as to her

plupf. λανθάνω

αλλὰ πολλοὶ απικνεόμενοι κατηγόρεον καὶ τὰ γιγνόμενα απηγέοντο.

doings at Hierapolis, for many who came thence brought

επὶ τοῖσι περιαλγέων εξ ἀτελέος τοῦ έργου Κομβάβον μετεκάλεεν.

the tale of her doings. The monarch was deeply moved

άλλοι δὲ λέγουσι λόγον ούτι αληθέα, τὴν Στρατονίκην,

by the tidings, and before the work was finished

επειδὴ απέτυχε τῶν εδέετο,

summoned Combabus to his presence. Others narrate

αυτὴν γράψασαν ες τὸν άνδρα τοῦ Κομβάβου κατηγορέειν πείρην οἱ επικαλέουσαν,

with respect to this a circumstance wholly untrue; that

καὶ τὸ Ἕλληνες Σθενεβοίης πέρι λέγουσι καὶ Φαίδρης τῆς Κνωσσίης,

Stratonice finding her prayers repulsed wrote with her

ταυτὶ καὶ Ἀσσύριοι ες Στρατονίκην μυθολογέουσιν.

own hand to her husband and accused Combabus of

εγὼ μέν νυν ουδὲ Σθενεβοίην πείθομαι ουδὲ Φαίδρην τοιάδε επιτελέσαι,

making an attempt upon her modesty; and what the

ει τὸν Ἱππόλυτον ατρεκέως επόθεε Φαίδρη.

Greeks allege about their Stheneboea and about Phaedra

αλλὰ τὰ μὲν εχέτω ὅκως καὶ εγένετο.

the Cnosian the Assyrians tell in the same way about Stratonice.

ὡς δὲ ἡ αγγελίη ες τὴν ἱρὴν:

For my part I do not believe that either

πόλιν απίκετο έγνω τε ὁ Κομβάβος τὴν αιτίην,

Stheneboea nor Phaedra acted thus if Phaedra really loved Hippolytus.

θαρσέων τε ῇεν, ὅτι οἱ ἡ απολογίη οίκοι ελείπετο,

However, let the old version remain for what it is worth.

καί μιν ελθόντα ὁ βασιλεὺς αυτίκα μὲν έδησέν τε καὶ εν φρουρῇ εῖχεν μετὰ δέ,

When, however, the news was brought to Hierapolis,

παρεόντων οἱ τῶν φίλων οἳ καὶ τότε πεμπομένῳ τῷ Κομβάβῳ παρεγένοντο,

Combabus took count of the charge and departed in a

παραγαγὼν ες μέσον κατηγορέειν άρχετο

spirit of full confidence, conscious that the visible proof

καί οἱ μοιχείην τε καὶ ακολασίην προύφερεν κάρτα δὲ δεινοπαθέων πίστιν τε καὶ φιλίην ανεκαλέετο,

necessary for his defence had been left in the city his home.

λέγων τρισσὰ Κομβάβον αδικέειν μοιχόν τε εόντα καὶ ες πίστιν ὑβρίσαντα

On his arrival the king immediately put him in prison under strict guard

καὶ ες θεὸν ασεβέοντα, τῆς εν τῷ έργῳ τοιάδε έπρηξεν.

. Then in the presence of the

πολλοὶ δὲ παρεστεῶτες ήλεγχον ὅτι αναφανδὸν σφέας αλλήλοισι συνεόντας εῖδον.

friends of the accused who had been present when

πᾶσιν δὲ τέλος εδόκεεν αυτίκα θνήσκειν Κομβάβον θανάτου άξια εργασμένον.

Combabus was commissioned to depart, the king

τέως δέ ̔ο μὲν ἑστήκεεν δικαστήριον

meanwhile he had-been-summoned to-court

plupf. ̔ιστημι

λέγων ουδέν επεὶ δὲ ήδη ήγετο τον μοιχοῦ ,

saying nothing then forthwith accused him of-adultery

φθέγξατό τε καὶ αίτεε τον κειμήλιον σῳζομενος ,

he-spoke-up asked for his treasure that-was-being-kept-safe

ao.

λέγων ὡς βασιλεύς αναιρέει μιν ουχ ὕβριος ουδὲ γάμων εἵνεκα,

saying that the king is-destroying him

αλλὰ εκείνων επιθυμέων τὰ οἱ απιὼν παρεθήκατο.

but because desiring which he-departing had-deposited with the-king

the confidence he had reposed in his favourite and his

long friendship, he arraigned on three distinct

ao. παρα τίθημι

τάδε βασιλεὺς καλέσας ταμίην , εκέλευε τος ενεῖκαι πρὸς

the king called the treasurer , ordered him to-bring forth

τὰ οἱ φρουρέειν έδωκεν ὡς δὲ ήνεικεν,

had broken his trust, finally, that he had blasphemed the charges:

first, that he was an adulterer, secondly, that he

goddess by acting thus while engaged in her service.

Many of the bystanders bore witness against him,

saying that they had seen the guilty pair embracing.

ao. inf. φέρω

λύσας σφρηγῖδα και Κομβάβος επέδειξε τά τε ενεόντα

loosed seal and Combabus showed the-things being-inside

καὶ ̔ως ̔ο ευνουχιζε αυτον και ̔ῶδε ou έγαμε βασίλρια,

that he had casterated himself and thus did not fuck the queen

έλεξέ τε, ‘ῶ βασιλεῦ, τάδε εγὼ ορρωδέων τοι ,

O king this I dreading for-you

pap

εῦτέ με ταύτην ὁδὸν έπεμπες, αέκων ῇον

left with a heavy heart, and I did my duty, constrained by sheer necessity.

I obeyed my lord and master to mine own undoing.

Such as I am, I stand accused of a crime which

impf.

καὶ επεί με αναγκαίη μεγάλη εκ σέο κατέλαβεν,

having raised a shout

ao. κατ λαμβανω

τοιάδε επετέλεσα, εσθλά μὲν ες δεσπότεα,

I did these good things to my master

ao.

εμοὶ δὲ ουκ ευτυχέα.

none but a man in every sense could have committed.

τοιόσδε μέντοι εὼν ανδρὸς επ᾽ αδικίην εγκαλέομαι.’

The king cried out in amazement at these words, embraced

pass.

ὁ δὲ πρὸς τάδε αμβώσας περιέβαλὲν τέ μιν καὶ δακρύων ἅμα έλεγεν,

Combabus and said with tears,

"What great ruin, Combabus, hast thou wrought upon thyself?

What monstrous deed of ill

ao. ao. περι βάλλω

‘ῶ Κομβάβε, τί μέγα κακὸν ειργάσαο ;

what great bad did you do ?

ao. ερψάζομαι

τί δὲ σεωυτὸν οὕτως αεικέλιον έργον μοῦνος ανδρῶν ^ έπρηξας ;

hast thou, alone of men, wrought to thy sorrow?

τὰ ου πάμπαν επαινέω.

ῶ σχέτλιε, ὃς τοιάδε έτλης,

I cannot praise thee, rash spirit, for enduring to suffer this outrage;

ao. τλάω

οἷα μήτε σὲ παθέειν μήτε εμὲ ἰδέσθαι ώφελεν ου γάρ μοι ταύτης απολογίης έδεεν.

would that thou hadst never borne it; would that I had never seen its proofs!

ao. inf. ώφελεν

αλλα επεὶ δαίμων τοιάδε ήθελεν,

I needed not this thy defence.

πρῶτα μέν σοι τίσις εξ ἡμέων έσσεται,

But since the deity bath willed it thus, I will grant thee, first and foremost,

αυτέων συκοφαντέων ὁ θάνατος,

as thy revenge, the death of the informers: and next there

μετὰ δὲ μεγάλη δωρεὴ απίξεται χρυσός τε πολλὸς

shall follow a mighty gift, a store of silver and countless gold,

καὶ άργυρος άπλετος καὶ εσθῆτες Ἀσσύριαι καὶ ἵπποι βασιλήιοι.

and raiment of Assyria, and steeds from the royal stud.

απίξεαι δὲ παρ᾽ ἡμέας άνευ εσαγγελέος ουδέ τις απέρξει σε ἡμετέρης όψιος,

Thou shalt enter freely to us unannounced and none shall withstand thee:

ουδε ὴν γυναικὶ ἅμα ευνάζωμαι.’

none shall keep thee from my sight, even

τάδε εῖπέν τε ἅμα καὶ εποίεεν:

were I by my wife's side." Thus he spake, and thus he acted;

καὶ οἱ μὲν αυτίκα ες φόνον ήγοντο,

the informers were led off straightway to their execution;

τῷ δὲ τὰ δῶρα εδέδοτο καὶ ἡ φιλίη μέζων εγεγόνεεν.

Combabus was laden with gifts, and the king's attachment to him was increased.

εδόκεεν δὲ ουδεὶς έτι Ἀσσυρίων Κομβάβῳ σοφίην καὶ ευδαιμονίην είκελος.

No one 6f the Assyrians was deemed

equal in wisdom and in fortune to Combabus.

μετὰ δὲ αιτησάμενος εκτελέσαι τὰ λείποντα τῷ νηῷ

having-sought to-complete remaining things of the temple

ao. part.

— ατελέα γάρ μιν απολελοίπεεν — αῦτις επέμπετο,

unfinished in the construction of the temple

—for he had left it unfinished—he was despatched anew; and he completed

καὶ τόν τε νηὸν εξετέλεσε καὶ τὸ λοιπὸν αυτοῦ έμενεν.

the temple, and there he abode. To mark his sense of the

έδωκεν δέ οἱ βασιλεὺς αρετῆς τε

virtue and good deeds of his architect, the king granted him

καὶ εὐεργεσίης εἵνεκα ἐν τῷ ἱρῷ ἑστάναι χάλκεον

a brazen statue of himself to stand in the temple of his construction.

καὶ έτι ες τιμὴν εν τῷ ἱρῷ Κομβάβος χάλκεος,

And even to the present day this brazen statue

Ἑρμοκλέος τοῦ Ῥοδίου ποίημα, μορφὴν μὲν ὁκοίη γυνή,

is seen standing in the temple, the work of Hermocles of

εσθῆτα δὲ ανδρηίην έχει.

Rhodes. Its form is that of a woman, but the garments are those of a man.

λέγεται δὲ τῶν φίλων τοὺς μάλιστὰ οἱ ευνοέοντας

It is said, too, that his most intimate friends,

ες παραμυθίην τοῦ πάθεος κοινωνίην ελέσθαι τῆς συμφορῆς:

as a proof of their sympathy, castrated themselves like him,

έτεμον γὰρ ἑωυτοὺς καὶ δίαιταν τὴν αυτὴν εκείνῳ διαιτέοντο.

and chose the same manner of life.

άλλοι δὲ ἱρολογέουσι επὶ τῷ πρήγματι,

Others there are who bring gods into the story

λέγοντες ὡς Κομβάβον φιλέουσα Ἥρη

affirming that Combabus was beloved by Hera;

and that it was she who inspired many

πολλοῖσι τὴν τομὴν επὶ νόον έβαλλεν,

λυπέοιτο ὅκως μὴ μοῦνος επὶ τῇ ανδρηίῃ

with the idea of castrating themselves, so that her lover

should not be the only one to lament the loss of his virility.

τὸ δὲ έθος τοῦτο επειδὴ ἅπαξ εγένετο, έτι νῦν μένει:

Meantime the custom once adopted remains even to-day,

καὶ πολλοὶ ἑκάστου έτεος εν τῷ ἱρῷ τάμνονται καὶ θηλύνονται,

and many persons every year castrate themselves and lose

είτε Κομβάβον παραμυθεόμενοι είτε

their virile powers: whether it be out of sympathy with Combabus,

καὶ χαρίζονται Ἥρῃ: τάμνονται δε ῶν.

or to find favour with Hera. They certainly

εσθῆτα δὲ οἵδε ουκέτι ανδρηίην έχουσιν,

castrate themselves, and then cease to wear man's garb;

αλλὰ φορέουσι τε γυναικήια εἵματά

they don women's raiment and perform

καὶ γυναικῶν έργα επιτελέουσι .

women's tasks. I have heard the origin of this ascribed to

ὡς δὲ εγὼ ήκουον,

ανακέαται καὶ τουτέων ες Κομβάβον ἡ αιτίη:

Combabus as well, for the following event occurred to him.

συνενείχθη γάρ οἱ καὶ τάδε.

A certain foreign woman who had joined a sacred assembly,

ξείνη γυνὴ ες πανήγυριν απικομένη,

beholding a human form

ιδοῦσα εόντα τε καλόν καὶ εσθῆτα έτι ανδρηίην έχοντα,

of extreme beauty and dressed in man's attire,

έρωτι μεγάλῳ έσχετο,

became violently enamoured of him: after

μετὰ δὲ μαθοῦσα ατελέα εόντα ἑωυτὴν διειργάσατο.

discovering that he was unsexed, she took away her life.

επὶ τοῖσι Κομβάβος, ἀθυμέων ὅτι οἱ ατυχέως τὰ ες Ἀφροδίτην έχει,

Combabus accordingly in despair at his incapacity for love,

ενεδύσατο γυναικηίην εσθῆτα,

donned woman's attire ,

ὅκως μηκέτι ἑτέρη γυνὴ ίσα εξαπατέοιτο.

so that no woman in future might be deceived in the same way.

ἥδε αιτίη Γάλλοισι στολῆς θηλέης.

This is the reason of the female attire of the Galli.

Κομβάβου μέν μοι τοσάδε ειρήσθω,

Enough of Combabus and his story:

Γάλλων δὲ αῦτις εγὼ λόγῳ ὑστέρῳ μεμνήσομαι,

in the course of my story I shall make mention of the Galli,

τομῆς τε αὐτέων, ὅκως τάμνονται, καὶ ταφῆς ὁκοίην θάπτονται,

and of their castration, and of the methods employed to effect it,

and of the burial rites wherewith they are buried, and the

reasons why they have no ingress to the temple; but before

καὶ ὅτευ εἵνεκα ες τὸ ἱρὸν ουκ εσέρχονται: πρότερον δέ μοι .

this I am inclined to speak of the site of the temple and of its size:

θυμὸς ειπεῖν θέσιὸς τε πέρι τοῦ νηοῦ καὶ μεγάθεος, καὶ δῆτα ερέω

and so I will even speak.

ὁ μὲν χῶρος αυτός, εν τῷ τὸ ἱρὸν ἵδρυται, λόφος εστί ,

The place whereon the temple is placed is a hill:

κέαται δὲ κατὰ μέσον μάλιστα τῆς πόλιος,

it lies nearly in the centre of the city,

καὶ οἱ τείχεα δοιὰ περικέαται.

and is surrounded by a double wall.

τῶν δὲ τειχέων τὸ μὲν ἀρχαῖον,

Of the two walls the one is ancient;

τὸ δὲ ου πολλὸν ἡμέων πρεσβύτερον.

the other is not much older than our own times.

τὰ δὲ προπύλαια τοῦ ἱροῦ ες άνεμον βορέην αποκέκρινται,

The entrance to the temple faces the north;

μέγαθος ὅσον τε ἑκατὸν οργυιέων.

its size is about a hundred fathoms.

εν τούτοισι τοῖσι προπυλαίοισι

In this entrance those phalli stand which

καὶ οἱ φαλλοὶ ἑστᾶσι τοὺς Διόνυσος εστήσατο,

Dionysus erected:

ἡλικίην καὶ οἵδε τριηκοσίων οργυιέων.

they stand thirty fathoms high.

ες τουτέων τὸν ἕνα φαλλὸν ανὴρ ἑκάστου έτεος δὶς ανέρχεται

Into one of these a man mounts twice every year,

οικέει τε εν άκρῳ τῷ φαλλῷ χρόνον ἑπτὰ ἡμερέων.

and he abides on the summit of the phallus for the space of seven days.

The reason of this ascent is given as follows:

αιτίη δέ οἱ τῆς ανόδου ἥδε λέγεται.

The people believe that the man who is aloft holds converse with the gods,

οἱ μὲν πολλοὶ νομίζουσιν ὅτι ὑψοῦ τοῖσι θεοῖσιν ὁμιλέει

and prays for good fortune for the whole of Syria,

καὶ αγαθὰ ξυναπάσῃ Συρίῃ αιτέει,

and that the gods from their neighbourhood hear his prayers.

οἱ δὲ τῶν ευχωλέων αγχόθεν επαΐουσιν.

Others allege that this takes place in memory of the great

άλλοισιν δὲ δοκέει καὶ τάδε Δευκαλίωνος εἵνεκα ποιέεσθαι,

calamity of Deukalion's time, when men climbed up to

εκείνης ξυμφορῆς μνήματα,

ὁκότε οἱ άνθρωποι ες τὰ ούρεα

mountain tops

καὶ ες τὰ περιμήκεα τῶν δενδρέων ῇσαν τὸ πολλὸν ὕδωρ ορρωδέοντες.

and to the highest trees, in terror of the mass of waters

εμοὶ μέν νυν καὶ τάδε απίθανα.

To me all this seems highly improbable,

δοκέω γε μὲν Διονύσῳ σφέας καὶ τάδε ποιέειν,

and I think that they observe this custom in honour of Dionysus

συμβάλλομαι δὲ τουτέοισι.

and I conjecture this from the following fact, that all those

φαλλοὺς ὅσοι Διονύσῳ εγείρουσι,

who rear phalli to Dionysus take care to place mannikins of

εν τοῖσι φαλλοῖσι καὶ άνδρας ξυλίνους κατίζουσιν,

wood on the phalli;

ὅτευ μὲν εἵνεκα εγὼ οὐκ ερέω. δοκέει δε σ͂ν μοι,

the reason of this I cannot say, but it seems to me

καὶ ὅδε ες εκείνου μίμησιν τοῦ ξυλίνου ανδρὸς ανέρχεται.

that the ascent is made in imitation of the wooden mannikin.

ἡ δέ οἱ άνοδος τοιήδε:

To proceed, the ascent is made in this way; the man

σειρῇ μικρῇ ἑωυτόν τε ἅμα καὶ τὸν φαλλὸν περιβάλλει,

throws round himself and the phallus a small chain;

μετὰ δὲ επιβαίνει ξύλων προσφυῶν τῷ φαλλῷ ὁκόσον ες χώρην άκρου ποδός:

afterwards he climbs up by means of pieces of wood

ανιὼν δὲ ἅμα αναβάλλει τὴν σειρὴν αμφοτέρωθεν ὅκωσπερ ἡνιοχέων.

attached to the phallus large enough to admit the end of his foot.

ει δέ τις τόδε μὲν ουκ όπωπεν,

As he mounts he jerks the chain up his own length, as a driver his reins

όπωπεν δὲ φοινικοβατέοντας ὴ εν Ἀραβίῃὴ εν Αἰγύπτῳ ὴ άλλοθί κου, οῖδε τὸ λέγω.

Those who have not seen this process,

but who have seen those who have to climb palm trees in Arabia,

or in Egypt, or any other place,

Ἐπεὰν δὲ ες τέλος ἵκηται τῆς ὁδοῦ,

will understand what I mean.

σειρὴν ἑτέρην αφεὶς τὴν αυτὸς έχει,

When he has climbed to the top, he lets down a

μακρὴν ταύτην, ανέλκει τῶν οἱ θυμός,

different chain, a long one, and drags up anything that he

ξύλα καὶ εἵματα καὶ σκεύεα,

wants, such as wood, clothing, and vases;

απὸ τῶν ἕδρην συνδέων ὁκοίην καλιὴν ἱζάνει,

he binds these together and sits upon them, as it were, on a nest, and he

μίμνει τε χρόνον τῶν εῖπον ἡμερέων.

remains there for the space of time that I have mentioned.

πολλοὶ δὲ απικνεόμενοι χρυσόν τε καὶ άργυρον,

Many visitors bring him gold and silver, and some bring brass;

then those who have brought these offerings leave them and depart,

οἱ δὲ χαλκόν, τὰ νομίζουσιν,

and each visitor gives his name.

ες εχῖνον πρόσθε κείμενον κατιᾶσιν,

A bystander shouts the name up;

and he on hearing the name utters a prayer for each donor;

λέγοντες τὰ ουνόματα ἕκαστος.

between the prayers he raises a sound on a brazen instrument which,

παρεστεὼς δὲ άλλος άνω αγγέλλει:

on being shaken, gives forth a loud and grating noise.

ὁ δὲ δεξάμενος τούνομα ευχωλὴν ες ἕκαστον ποιέεται,

He never sleeps; for if at any time

ἅμα δὲ ευχόμενος κροτέει ποίημα χάλκεον,

sleep surprises him, a scorpion creeps up and wakes him,

τὸ αείδει μέγα καὶ τρηχὺ κινεόμενον.

and stings him severely; this is the penalty for wrongfully sleeping.

εὕδει δὲ οὐδαμά: ὴ̀ν γάρ μιν ὕπνος ἕλῃ ποτέ,

This story about the scorpion is a sacred one,

σκορπίος ανιὼν ανεγείρει τε καὶ αεικέα εργάζεται,

and one of the mysteries of religion;

καὶ οἱ ἥδε ἡ ζημίη τοῦ ὕπνου επικέαται.

whether it is true I cannot say,

τὰ μὲν ὦν ες τὸν σκορπίον μυθέονται ἱρά τε καὶ θεοπρεπέα:

but, as it seems to me, his wakefulness is in no small

ει δὲ ἀτρεκέα εστί , ουκ έχω ερέειν.

degree due to his fear of falling.

δοκέει δέ μοι, μέγα ες αγρυπνίην συμβάλλεται

So much then for the

καὶ τῆς πτώσιος ἡ ορρωδίη.

Φαλλοβατέων μὲν δὴ πέρι τοσάδε αρκέει. ὁ

climbers of the phalli.,

δὲ νηὸς ὁρέει μὲν ες ἠέλιον ανιόντα,

As for the temple it looks to the rising sun.

εῖδος δὲ καὶ εργασίην ἐστὶ ὁκοίους νηοὺς εν Ἰωνίῃ ποιέουσιν.

In appearance, and in workmanship, it is like the temples

ἕδρη μεγάλη ανέχει εκ γῆς μέγαθος οργυιέων δυοῖν,

which they build in Ionia, the foundation rises from the earth to the space of two fathoms,

επὶ τῆς ὁ νηὸς επικέαται.

and on this rests the temple.

άνοδος ες αυτὸν λίθου πεποίηται, ου κάρτα μακρή.

The ascent to the temple is built of wood and not particularly wide; as you mount,

ανελθόντι δὲ θωῦμα μὲν

καὶ ὁ πρόνηος μέγα παρέχεται θύρῃσί τε ήσκηται χρυσέῃσιν ένδοθεν δὲ ὁ νηὸς

χρυσοῦ τε πολλοῦ απολάμπεται καὶ ἡ οροφὴ πᾶσα χρυσέη.

even the great hall exhibits a wonderful spectacle and it is ornamented with golden doors.

απόζει δὲ αυτοῦ οδμὴ αμβροσίη ὁκοίη λέγεται τῆς χώρης τῆς Ἀραβίης,

The temple within is ablaze with gold and the ceiling

καί σοι τηλόθεν ανιόντι προσβάλλει πνοιὴν κάρτα αγαθὴν καὶ ὴν αῦτις απίῃς,

in its entirety is golden. There falls upon you also a divine

ουδαμὰ λείπεται, αλλά σευ τά τε εἵματα ες πολλὸν έχει τὴν πνοιὴν

fragrance such as is attributed to the region of Arabia,

καὶ σὺ ες πάμπαν αυτῆς μνήσεαι.

which breathes on you with a refreshing influence as you mount

the long steps, and even when you have departed this fragrance clings to you;

nay, your very raiment retains long that sweet odour,

and it will ever remain in your memory.

ένδοθεν δὲ ὁ νηὸς ουκ ἁπλόος εστί ,

But the temple within is not uniform. A special

αλλὰ εν αυτῷ θάλαμος άλλος πεποίηται.

sacred shrine is reared within it; the ascent to this likewise is not steep,

άνοδος καὶ ες τοῦτον ολίγη:

nor is it fitted with doors, but is entirely open as you approach it.

θύρῃσι δὲ ουκ ήσκηται, αλλὰ ες αντίον ἅπας αναπέπταται.

The great temple is open to all; the sacred

ες μὲν ῶν τὸν μέγαν νηὸν πάντες εσέρχονται,

shrine to the priests alone and not to all even of these,

ες δὲ τὸν θάλαμον οἱ ἱρέες μοῦνον,

but only to those who are deemed nearest to the gods

ου μέντοι πάντες οἱ ἱρέες,

and who have the charge of the entire administration of the sacred rites.

αλλὰ οἳ μάλιστα αγχίθεοί τὲ εισι

καὶ οἷσι πᾶσα ες τὸ ἱρὸν μέλεται θεραπηίη.

In this shrine are placed the statues,

εν δὲ τῷδε εἵαται τὰ ἕδεα,

ἥ τε Ἥρη καὶ τὸν αὐτοὶ Δία εόντα ἑτέρῳ ουνόματι κληίζουσιν.

one of which is Hera, the other Zeus, though they call him by another name.

άμφω δὲ χρύσεοί τέ εισιν καὶ άμφω ἕζονται:

Both of these are golden, both are sitting;

αλλὰ τὴν μὲν Ἥρην λέοντες φέρουσιν,

Hera is supported by lions, Zeus is sitting on bulls.

ὁ δὲ ταύροισιν εφέζεται.

The effigy of Zeus recalls Zeus in all its details—

Καὶ δῆτα τὸ μὲν τοῦ Διὸς άγαλμα ες Δία πάντα ὁρῇ

his head, his robes, his throne;

καὶ κεφαλὴν καὶ εἵματα καὶ ἕδρην

nor even if you wished it could you take him for another deity.

καί μιν ουδὲ ἐθέλων άλλως εικάσεις.

Hera, however,

ἡ δὲ Ἡρη σκοπέοντί τοι πολυειδέα μορφὴν εκφανέει:

as you look at her will recall to you a variety of forms.

καὶ τὰ μὲν ξύμπαντα ατρεκέϊ λόγῳ Ἥρη εστί ,

Speaking generally she is undoubtedly Hera,

έχει δέ τι καὶ Ἀθηναίης καὶ Ἀφροδίτης καὶ Σεληναίης

but she has something of the attributes of Athene, and

καὶ Ῥέης καὶ Ἀρτέμιδος καὶ Νεμέσιος καὶ Μοιρέων.

of Aphrodite, and of Selene, and of Rhea, and of Artemis,

χειρὶ δὲ τῇ μὲν ἑτέρῃ σκῆπτρον έχει,

and of Nemesis, and of The Fates.

τῇ ἑτέρῃ δὲ άτρακτον,

In one of her hands she holds a sceptre

καὶ επὶ τῇ κεφαλῇ ακτῖνὰς τε φορέει καὶ πύργον

in the other a distaff; on her head she bears

καὶ κεστὸν τῷ μούνην τὴν Οὐρανίην κοσμέουσιν.

and a tower and she has a girdle wherewith they adorn rays

έκτοσθεν δέ οἱ χρυσός τε άλλος περικέαται

none but Aphrodite of the sky.

καὶ λίθοι κάρτα πολυτελέες,

And without she is gilt with gold, and gems of

τῶν οἱ μὲν λευκοί, οἱ δὲ ὑδατώδεες, πολλοὶ δὲ οινώδεες,

great price adorn her, some white, some sea-green,

πολλοὶ δὲ πυρώδεες,

others wine-dark,

έτι δὲ όνυχες οἱ Σαρδῷοι πολλοὶ καὶ ὑάκινθοι καὶ σμάραγδοι,

others flashing like fire. Besides these there are many onyxes

τὰ φέρουσιν Αιγύπτιοι καὶ Ἰνδοὶ καὶ Αιθίοπες καὶ Μῆδοι καὶ Ἀρμένιοι καὶ Βαβυλώνιοι.

from Sardinia and the jacinth and emeralds,

the offerings of the Egyptians and of the Indians,

Ethiopians, Medes, Armenians, and Babylonians.

τὸ δὲ δὴ μέζονος λόγου άξιον, τοῦτο απηγήσομαι:

But the greatest wonder of all I will proceed to tell:

λίθον επὶ τῇ κεφαλῇ φορέει: λυχνὶς καλέεται,

she bears a gem on her head called a Lychnis;

ούνομα δὲ οἱ τοῦ έργου ἡ συντυχίη.

it takes its name from its attribute.

απὸ τούτου εν νυκτὶ σέλας πολλὸν απολάμπεται,

From this stone flashes a great light in the night-time,

ὑπὸ δὲ οἱ καὶ ὁ νηὸς ἅπας οἷον ὑπὸ λύχνοισι φαείνεται,

so that the whole temple gleams brightly as by the light of myriads of candles,

εν ἡμέρῃ δὲ τὸ μὲν φέγγος ασθενέει,

but in the day-time the brightness grows faint;

ιδέην δὲ έχει κάρτα πυρώδεα,

the gem has the likeness of a bright fire.

καὶ άλλο θωυμαστόν εστι εν τῷ ξοάνῳ.

There is also another the gem has the likeness of a bright fire.

ὴν ἑστεὼς αντίος εσορέῃς, ες σὲ ὁρῇ

There is also another you in the face, and as you pass it the gaze still follows you,

καὶ μεταβαίνοντι τὸ βλέμμα ακολουθέει:

and if another approaching from a different quarter looks at it,

καὶ ἢν άλλος ἑτέρωθεν ἱστορέῃ,^

he is similarly affected.

ίσα καὶ ες εκεῖνον εκτελέει.

εν μέσῳ δὲ αμφοτέρων ἕστηκεν ξόανον άλλο χρύσεον,

Between the two there stands another image of gold,

ουδαμὰ τοῖσι άλλοισι ξοάνοισι είκελον.

no part of it resembling the others.

τὸ δὲ μορφὴν μὲν ιδίην ουκ έχει,

This possesses no special form of its own,

φορέει δὲ τῶν άλλων θεῶν είδεα.

but recalls the characteristics of other gods.

καλέεται δὲ σημήιον καὶ ὑπ᾽ αυτῶν Ἀσσυρίων,

The Assyrians themselves speak of it as a symbol,

but they have assigned to it no definite name.

ουδέ τι ούνομα ίδιον αυτῷ έθεντο,

They have nothing to tell us about its origin, nor its form:

αλλα ουδὲ γενέσιος αυτοῦ καὶ είδεος λέγουσιν.

some refer it to

καί μιν οἱ μὲν ες Διόνυσον,

Dionysus; others to Deukalion;

άλλοι δὲ ες Δευκαλίωνα,

others to Semiramis; for its summit is crowned by a golden pigeon,

οἱ δὲ ες Σεμίραμιν άγουσιν

and this is why they allege that it is the effigy of Semiramis.

καὶ γὰρ δὴ ῶν επὶ τῇ κορυφῇ αυτοῦ περιστερὴ χρυσέη εφέστηκεν,

It is taken

τοὔνεκα δὴ μυθέονται Σεμιράμιος έμμεναι τόδε σημήιον.

down to the sea twice in every year to bring up the water of which I have spoken.

αποδημέει δὲ δὶς ἑκάστου έτεος ες θάλασσαν ες κομιδὴν τοῦ εῖπον ὕδατος.

In the body of the temple, as you enter,

εν αυτῷ δὲ τῷ νηῷ εσιόντων εν αριστερῇ κέαται πρῶτα μὲν θρόνος Ἠελίου,

there stands on the left hand side, a throne for the Sun god;

αυτοῦ δὲ ἕδος ^ ουκ ένι : μούνου γὰρ Ἠελίου

but there is no image upon it,

καὶ Σεληναίης ξόανα ου δεικνύουσιν.

for the effigies of the Sun and Moon are not exhibited.

ὅτευ δὲ εἵνεκα ὧδε νομίζουσιν,

εγὼ καὶ τόδε έμαθον,

I have learnt, however, the reasons of this practice

λέγουσι τοῖσι μὲν άλλοισι θεοῖσιν ὅσιον έμμεναι ξόανα ποιέεσθαι,

They say that religion does not forbid making

ου γὰρ σφέων εμφανέα πάντεσι τὰ είδεα :

effigies of the other deities, for the outward form of these deities is known to all;

ηέλιος δὲ καὶ Σεληναίη πάμπαν εναργέες καὶ σφέας πάντες ὁρέουσι.

but the Sun and Moon are plain for all to see, and all men behold them.

κοίη ῶν αιτίη ξοανουργίης τοῖσι εν τῷ ηέρι φαινομένοισι;

What boots it, therefore,

to make effigies of those deities who offer themselves for all to gaze on?

μετὰ δὲ τὸν θρόνον τοῦτον κέαται ξόανον Ἀπόλλωνος,

Behind this throne stands an effigy of Apollo of an

ουκ οἷον εώθεε ποιέεσθαι:

unusual character. All other sculptors think of Apollo as a youth,

οἱ μὲν γὰρ άλλοι πάντες Ἀπόλλωνα νέον τε ἥγηνται καὶ πρωθήβην ποιέουσιν,

and represent him in the flower of his age.

μοῦνοι δὲ οὗτοι Ἀπόλλωνος γενειήτεω ξόανον δεικνύουσιν.

These artificers alone exhibit the Apollo of their statuary as bearded.

καὶ τάδε ποιέοντες ἑωυτοὺς μὲν επαινέουσιν,

They justify their action, and criticise the Greeks and others who set up Apollo as a boy,

Ἑλλήνων δὲ κατηγορέουσιν

and appease him in that guise.

καὶ άλλων ὁκόσοι Ἀπόλλωνα παῖδα θέμενοι ἱλάσκονται. αιτίη δὲ ἥδε.

Their reason is that it is a mark of ignorance to

δοκέει αυτέοισι ασοφίη μεγάλη έμμεναι ατελέα ποιέεσθαι τοῖσι θεοῖσι τὰ είδεα,

assign imperfect forms to the gods, and they look on youth as imperfection.

τὸ δὲ νέον ατελὲς έτι νομίζουσιν.

They have also introduced another strange novelty in sculpture:

εν δὲ καὶ αλλο τῷ σφετέρῳ Ἀπόλλωνι καινουργέουσι:

they, and they alone,

μοῦνοι Ἀπόλλωνα εἵμασι κοσμέουσιν.

represent Apollo as robed.

έργων δὲ αυτοῦ πέρι πολλὰ μὲν έχω ειπεῖν,

I have much to say about his works, and I will tell

ερέω δὲ τὸ μάλιστα θωυμάζειν άξιον.

what is most worthy of admiration.

πρῶτα δὲ τοῦ μαντηίου επιμνήσομαι.

First I will speak of the oracle.

μαντήια πολλὰ μὲν παρ᾽ Ἕλλησι, πολλὰ δὲ καὶ παρ᾽ Αιγυπτίοισι,

There are many oracles among the

Greeks, and many, too, among the Egyptians,

τὰ δὲ καὶ εν Λιβύῃ,

and again in Libya

καὶ εν τῇ δὲ Ἀσίῃ πολλά εστι .

and in Asia there are many too.

αλλὰ τὰ μὲν ούτε ἱρέων άνευ ούτε προφητέων φθέγγονται,

But these speak not, save by the mouth of priests and prophets:

ὅδε δὲ αυτός τε κινέεται καὶ τὴν μαντηίην ες τέλος αυτουργέει.

this one is moved by its own impulse, and carries out the divining process to

τρόπος δὲ αυτῆς - τοιόσδε.

the very end.

εῦτ᾽ ὰν εθέλῃ χρησμηγορέειν,

The manner of his divination is the following:

εν τῇ έδρῃ πρῶτα κινέεται,

When he is desirous of uttering an oracle, he first stirs in his

οἱ δέ μιν ἱρέες αυτίκα αείρουσιν ὴν δὲ μὴ αείρωσιν,

and the priests straightway raise him up. Should they seat,

ὁ δὲ ἱδρώει καὶ ες μέζον έτι κινέεται.

fail to raise him up, he sweats,

εῦτ᾽ ὰν δὲ ὑποδύντες φέρωσιν,

and moves more violently than ever.

άγει σφέας πάντῃ περιδινέων

fail to raise him up, he sweats, and moves more violently than ever.

καὶ ες άλλον εξ ἑτέρου μεταπηδέων.

round in a circle, and leaps on one after another.

τέλος ὁ αρχιερεὺς αντιάσας επερέεταί μιν περὶ απάντων πρηγμάτων:

At last the high priest confronts him, and questions him on every

ὁ δὲ ὴν τι μὴ εθέλῃ ποιέεσθαι, οπίσω αναχωρέει, ὴν δὲ τι επαινέῃ,

The god, if he disapproves of any action proposed, subject.

άγει ες τὸ πρόσω τοὺς προφέροντας ὅκωσπερ ἡνιοχέων.

retreats into the background; if, however, he happens to

οὕτως μὲν συναγείρουσι τὰ θέσφατα,

he drives his bearers forward as if they were approve it, horses.

καὶ ούτε ἱρὸν πρῆγμα ουδὲν ούτε ίδιον τούτου άνευ ποιέουσιν.

It is thus that they gather the oracles, and they

λέγει δὲ καὶ τοῦ έτεος πέρι καὶ τῶν ὡρέων αυτοῦ πασέων,

undertake nothing public or private without this preliminary.

καὶ ὁκότε ουκ έρονται λέγει δὲ καὶ τοῦ σημηίου πέρι, κότε

This god, too, speaks about the symbol, and points out when

χρή μιν αποδημέειν τὴν εῖπον αποδημίην.

it is the due season for the expedition of which I spoke in connexion therewith.

ερέω δὲ καὶ άλλο, τὸ εμεῦ παρεόντος έπρηξεν.

I will speak of another wonder, too, which he performed in my presence.

οἱ μέν μιν ἱρέες αείροντες έφερον,

The priests were raising him aloft, but he

ὁ δὲ τοὺς μὲν εν γῇ κάτω έλιπεν,

left them on the ground,

αυτὸς δὲ εν τῷ ηέρι μοῦνος εφορέετο.

and was born aloft himself alone.

μετὰ δὲ τὸν Ἀπόλλωνα ξόανόν εστι Ἄτλαντος,

Behind Apollo is the statue of Atlas;

μετὰ δὲ Ἑρμέω καὶ Ειλειθυίης.

behind that, the statue of Hermes and Eilithyia.

τὰ μὲν ῶν εντὸς τοῦ νηοῦ ὧδε κεκοσμέαται:

Such, then, are the interior decorations of the temple;

έξω δὲ βωμός τε κέαται μέγας χάλκεος,

outside of it there stands a great altar of brass.

εν δὲ καὶ άλλα ξόανα μυρία χάλκεα βασιλέων τε καὶ ἱρέων:

It contains also countless other brazen effigies of kings and priests.

καταλέξω δὲ τῶν μάλιστα άξιον μνήσασθαι.

I will mention those which seem most worthy of remembrance

εν ἀριστερῇ τοῦ νεὼ Σεμιράμιος ξόανον ἕστηκεν εν δεξιῇ τὸν νηὸν επιδεικνύουσα.

To the left of the temple stands the image of Semiramis,

ανέστη δὲ δια αιτίην τοιήνδε.

pointing with her right hand to the temple. That

ανθρώποισιν ὁκόσοι Συρίην οικέουσιν νόμον εποιέετο ἑαυτὴν μὲν ὅκως θεὸν ἱλάσκεσθαι,

image was erected to commemorate the following occurrence:

θεῶν δὲ τῶν άλλων καὶ αυτῆς Ἥρης αλογέειν.

The queen had issued a decree that all the

καὶ ὧδε εποίεον.

Syrians should worship her as a deity, adding that they were

μετὰ δὲ ὥς οἱ θεόθεν απίκοντο νοῦσοί τε καὶ συμφοραὶ

καὶ άλγεα, μανίης μὲν εκείνης απεπαύσατο

to take no count of the others, not excepting even Hera; and

καὶ θνητὴν ἑωυτὴν ὁμολόγεεν καὶ τοῖσιν ὑπηκόοισιν αῦτις εκέλευεν ες Ἥρην τρέπεσθαι.

they obeyed her decree. Afterwards, however, when disease

τούνεκα δὴ έτι τοιήδε ανέστηκεν,

and misfortune and grief were inflicted on her, she calmed

down from her frenzied infatuation, and avowed herself a mere mortal,

τοῖσιν απικνεομένοισι τὴν Ἥρην ἱλάσκεσθαι δεικνύουσα,

and ordered her subjects to turn again to Hera.

καὶ θεὸν ουκέτι ἑωυτὴν αλλα εκείνην ὁμολογέουσα.

This is why she stands to-day in this posture,

pointing out Hera as the goddess whose grace is to be won,

and confessing that she is not a goddess, but that Hera is indeed such.

εῖδον δὲ καὶ αυτόθι Ἑλένης άγαλμα καὶ Ἑκάβης καὶ Ἀνδρομάχης καὶ Πάριδος

I saw also the effigy of Helen, and of Hecuba, and of

καὶ Ἕκτορος καὶ Ἀχιλλέος.

Andromache,

εῖδον δὲ καὶ Νειρέος εῖδος τοῦ Ἀγλαΐης,

and of Paris, and of Achilles. I saw also the statue of Nireus,

καὶ Φιλομήλην καὶ Πρόκνην έτι γυναῖκας,

the son of Aglaia, and of Philomela and Procne while yet women

καὶ αυτὸν Τηρέα όρνιθα,

and Tereus changed into a bird;

καὶ άλλο άγαλμα Σεμιράμιος,

and another effigy of Semiramis

καὶ Κομβάβου τὸ κατέλεξα,

and one of Combabus and

καὶ Στρατονίκης κάρτα καλόν,

one of Stratonice of special beauty,

καὶ Ἀλεξάνδρου αυτῷ εκείνῳ είκελον,

and one of Alexander like to this.

παρὰ δέ οἱ Σαρδανάπαλλος ἕστηκεν άλλῃ μορφῇ καὶ άλλῃ στολῇ.

Sardanapalus stands by his side in a different form and in a different garb.

εν δὲ τῇ αυλῇ άφετοι νέμονται βόες μεγάλοι καὶ ἵπποι

In the great court oxen of great size browsed horses, too,

καὶ αετοὶ καὶ άρκτοι καὶ λέοντες,

are there, and eagles and bears and lions,

καὶ ανθρώπους ουδαμὰ σίνονται,

who never hurt mankind

αλλὰ πάντες ἱροί τέ εισι καὶ χειροήθεες.

but are all sacred and all tame.

ἱρέες δὲ αυτοῖσι πολλοὶ αποδεδέχαται,

Many priests also are in attendance, some of whom

τῶν οἱ μὲν τὰ ἱρήια σφάζουσιν,

sacrifice the victims, others bring libations,

οἱ δὲ σπονδηφορέουσιν,

others are called

άλλοι δὲ πυρφόροι καλέονται καὶ άλλοι παραβώμιοι.

fire-bearers, and others altar attendants.

επ᾽ εμεῦ δὲ πλείονες καὶ τριηκοσίων ες τὴν θυσίην απικνέοντο.

In my presence more than 300 of these were present at a sacrifice;

εσθὴς δὲ αυτέοισι πᾶσι λευκή,

all had vestments of white and wore caps on their heads.

καὶ πῖλον επὶ τῇ κεφαλῇ έχουσιν.

Every year a new high priest is appointed. He, and he alone, is clad in

αρχιερεὺς δὲ άλλος ἑκάστου έτεος επιγίγνεται,

purple and crowned with a golden tiara.

πορφυρέην τε μοῦνος οὗτος φορέει καὶ τιάρῃ χρυσέῃ

αναδέεται. έστι δὲ καὶ άλλο πλῆθος ανθρώπων ἱρῶν αυλητέων τε καὶ συριστέων καὶ Γάλλων,

Besides this there is another multitude of holy men,

καὶ γυναῖκες επιμανέες τε καὶ φρενοβλαβέες.

pipers, flute players, and Galli; and women frenzied and fanatic.

θυσίη δὲ δὶς ἑκάστης ἡμέρης επιτελέεται, ες τὴν πάντες απικνέονται.

A sacrifice is offered up twice every day,

Διὶ μὲν ῶν κατ᾽ ησυχίην θύουσιν ούτε αείδοντες ούτε αυλέοντες :

and they are all present at this :

εῦτ᾽ ὰν δὲ τῇ Ἥρῃ κατάρχωνται, αείδουσίν τε καὶ αυλέουσιν

To Zeus they sacrifice in silence,

καὶ κρόταλα επικροτέουσιν.

neither chanting nor playing, but when they sacrifice to Hera they

καί μοι τούτου πέρι σαφὲς ουδὲν ειπεῖν εδύναντο.

sing, they pipe, and shake rattles.

About this ceremony they could tell me nothing certain.

έστι δὲ καὶ λίμνη αυτόθι, ου πολλὸν ἑκὰς τοῦ ἱροῦ,

There is too a lake in the same place,

εν τῇ ιχθύες ἱροὶ τρέφονται πολλοὶ καὶ πολυειδέες.

not far from the temple in which many sacred fishes of different kinds are reared.

γίγνονται δὲ αυτῶν ένιοι κάρτα μεγάλοι:

Some of these grow to a great size;

οὗτοι δὲ καὶ ουνόματα έχουσιν καὶ έρχονται καλεόμεροι:

they are called by names, and approach when called.

επι εμέο δέ τις ῆν εν αυτοῖσι χρυσοφορέων.

I saw one of

εν τῇ πτέρυγι ποίημα χρύσεον αυτέῳ ανακέατο,

these ornamented with gold, and on its back fin a golden

καί μιν εγὼ πολλάκις εθεησάμην,

design was dedicated to the temple.

καὶ εῖχεν τὸ ποίημα.

I have often seen this fish,

βάθος δὲ τῆς λίμνης πολλόν.

and he certainly carried this design.

εγὼ μὲν ουκ επειρήθην,

The depth of the lake is immense. I never tested it myself,

λέγουσι δε ῶν καὶ διηκοσίων οργυιέων πλέον έμμεναι.

but they say that it is in depth more than 200 fathoms.

κατὰ μέσον δὲ αυτῆς βωμὸς λίθου ανέστηκεν.

In the midst of this lake stands an altar of stone.

δοκέοις ὰν άφνω ιδὼν πλώειν τέ μιν καὶ τῷ ὕδατι εποχέεσθαι,

You would think at first sight that it was floating and

καὶ πολλοὶ ὧδε νομίζουσιν εμοὶ δὲ δοκέει στῦλος ὑφεστεὼς μέγας ανέχειν τὸν βωμόν.

moving in the water, and many deem that it is so.

έστεπται δὲ αεὶ καὶ θυώματα έχει,

The truth seems to me that it is supported by a column of great size,

πολλοὶ δὲ καὶ ἑκάστης ἡμέρης κατα ευχὴν ες αυτὸν νηχόμενοι στεφανηφορέουσιν.

based on the bottom of the lake. It is always decked with ribbons,

γίγνονται δὲ αυτόθι καὶ πανηγύριές τε μέγισται,

and spices are therein, and many every day swim in

καλέονται δὲ ες τὴν λίμνην καταβάσιες,

the lake with crowns on their heads performing their acts of adoration.

ὅτι ἐν αὐτῇσι ἐς τὴν λίμνην τὰ ἱρὰ πάντα κατέρχεται.

At this lake great assemblies meet, and these are called

εν τοῖσιν ἡ Ἥρη πρώτη ἀπικνέεται, τῶν ιχθύων εἵνεκα,

descents into the lake because all their deities go down into this lake,

μὴ σφέας ὁ Ζεὺς πρῶτος ίδηται: ὴν γὰρ τόδε γένηται,

amongst whom Hera first advances

λέγουσιν ὅτι πάντες απόλλυνται.

so that Zeus may not see the fish first, for if this were to

καὶ δῆτα ὁ μὲν έρχεται οψόμενος,

happen they say that one and all would perish.

ἡ δὲ πρόσω ἱσταμένη απείργει τέ μιν καὶ πολλὰ λιπαρέουσα αποπέμπει.

And Zeus comes indeed intending to see these fish, but she,

standing before him, keeps hint at bay, and with many supplications holds him off

μέγισται δὲ αυτοῖσι πανηγύριες αἳ ες θάλασσαν νομίζονται.

But the greatest of these sacred assemblies are those held on the sea coast.

αλλα εγὼ τούτων πέρι σαφὲς ουδὲν έχω ειπεῖν :

About these, however, I have nothing certain to say.

ου γὰρ ῆλθον αυτὸς ουδὲ επειρήθην ταύτης τῆς ὁδοιπορίης.

I was never present at their celebrations, nor did I undertake the journey thither;

τὰ δὲ ελθόντες ποιέουσιν,

εῖδον καὶ απηγήσομαι.

but I did see what they do on their return,

αγγήιον ἕκαστος ὕδατι σεσαγμένον φέρουσιν,

and I will at once tell you.

κηρῷ δὲ τάδε σεσήμανται.

Each member

καί μιν ουκ αὐτοὶ λυσάμενοι χέονται,

of the assembly carries a vessel full of water.

αλλα έστι αλεκτρυὼν ἱρός, οικέει δὲ επὶ τῇ λίμνῃ,

The vessels are sealed with wax; those who carry the water do not unseal the

ὃς επεὶ σφέων δέξηται τὰ αγγήια,

vessels and then pour out the water; but there is a certain

τήν τε σφρηγῖδα ὁρῇ καὶ μισθὸν αρνύμενος ανά τε λύει τὸν δεσμὸν καὶ τὸν κηρὸν απαιρέεται:

holy cock who dwells hard by the lake.

καὶ πολλαὶ μνέες εκ τουτέου τοῦ έργου τῷ ἀλεκτρυόνι αγείρονται.

This bird, on receiving the vessels from the bearers,

ένθεν δὲ ες τὸν νηὸν αυτοὶ ενείκαντες σπένδουσί τε καὶ θύσαντες οπίσω απονοστέουσιν.

inspects the seal, and after receiving a reward for this action he breaks the thread

ὁορτέων δὲ πασέων τῶν οῖδα μεγίστην τοῦ είαρος αρχομένου επιτελέουσιν,

and picks away the wax, and many minae are collected by

καί μιν οἱ μὲν πυρήν, οἱ δὲ λαμπάδα καλέουσιν.

the cock by this operation. After this the bearers carry the

θυσίην δὲ εν αυῇ τοιήνδε ποιέουσιν.

water into the temple and pour it forth, and they depart when the sacrifice is finished.

δένδρεα μεγάλα εκκόψαντες τῇ αυλῇ ἑστᾶσι,

The greatest of the festivals that they celebrate is that

μετὰ δὲ ἀγινέοντες αῖγάς τε καὶ όϊας

held in the opening of spring; some call this the Pyre, others the Lamp.

καὶ άλλα κτήνεα ζῳὰ εκ τῶν δενδρέων απαρτέουσιν:

On this occasion the sacrifice is performed in this way.

εν δὲ καὶ όρνιθες καὶ εἵματα καὶ χρύσεα καὶ αργύρεα ποιήματα.

They cut down tall trees and set them up in the court;

επεὰν δὲ εντελέα πάντα ποιήσωνται,

then they bring goats and sheep and cattle and hang them

περιενείκαντες τὰ ἱρὰ περὶ τὰ δένδρεα πυρὴν ενιᾶσιν,

living to the trees; they add to these birds and garments and gold and silver work.

τὰ δὲ αυτίκα πάντα καίονται.

After all is finished, they carry the gods around the trees and set fire under;

in a moment all is in a blaze.

ες ταύτην τὴν ὁρτὴν πολλοὶ άνθρωποι απικνέονται έκ τε Συρίης καὶ τῶν πέριξ χωρέων πασέων,

To this solemn rite a great multitude flocks from Syria and all the regions around.

φέρουσίν τε τὰ ἑωυτῶν ἱρὰ ἕκαστοι

Each brings his own god and the statues

καὶ τὰ σημήια ἕκαστοι έχουσιν ες τάδε μεμιμημένα.

which each has of his own gods.

εν ῥητῇσι δὲ ἡμέρῃσι τὸ μὲν πλῆθος ες τὸ ἱρὸν αγείρονται,

On certain days a multitude flocks into the temple,

Γάλλοι δὲ πολλοὶ καὶ τοὺς έλεξα,

and the Galli in great numbers, sacred as they are,

οἱ ἱροὶ άνθρωποι, τελέουσι τὰ όργια,

perform the ceremonies of the men

τάμνονταί τε τοὺς πήχεας

and gash their arms and turn their backs to be lashed.

καὶ τοῖσι νώτοισι πρὸς αλλήλους τύπτονται.

Many bystanders play on the pipes the while many beat drums;

πολλοὶ δὲ σφίσι παρεστεῶτες επαυλέουσι,

others sing divine and sacred songs.

πολλοὶ δὲ τύμπανα παταγέουσιν,

All this performance takes place outside the temple,

άλλοι δὲ αείδουσιν ένθεα καὶ ἱρὰ ᾳσματα.

and those engaged in the ceremony enter not into the temple.

τὸ δὲ έργον εκτὸς τοῦ νηοῦ τόδε γίγνεται,

ουδὲ εσέρχονται ες τὸν νηὸν ὁκόσοι τόδε ποιέουσιν.

εν ταύτῃσι τῇσι ἡμέρῃσι καὶ Γάλλοι γίγνονται.

During these days they are made Galli.

επεὰν γὰρ οἱ άλλοι αυλέωσί τε καὶ όργια ^ ποιέωνται,

As the Galli sing and celebrate their orgies, frenzy falls on many of them and

ες πολλοὺς ήδη ἡ μανίη ἀπικνέεται,

many who had come as mere spectators afterwards are

καὶ πολλοὶ ες θέην ἀπικόμενοι μετὰ δὲ τοιάδε έπρηξαν.

found to have committed the great act.

καταλέξω, δὲ καὶ τὰ ποιέουσιν.

I will narrate what they do.

ὁ νεηνίης ὅτῳ τάδε αποκέαται ῥίψας τὰ εἵματα μεγάλῃ βοῇ ες μέσον έρχεται καὶ ξίφος αναιρέεται:

Any young man who has resolved on this action,

τὸ δὲ πολλὰ έτη, εμοὶ δοκέει, καὶ τοῦτο ἕστηκε.

strips off his clothes, and with a loud shout bursts into the

λαβὼν δὲ αυτίκα τάμνει ἑωυτὸν θέει τε διὰ τῆς πόλιος

midst of the crowd, and picks up a sword from a number of

καὶ τῇσι χερσὶ φέρει τὰ έταμεν.

swords which I suppose have been kept ready for many

ες ὁκοίην δὲ οικίην τάδε απορρίψει,

years for this purpose.

εκ ταύτης ἐσθῆτά τε θηλέην

He takes it and castrates himself

καὶ κόσμον τὸν γυναικήιον λαμβάνει.

and then runs wild through the city, bearing in his hands what he has cut off.

τάδε μὲν εν τῇσι τομῇσι ποιέουσιν.

He casts it into any house at will, and from

this house he receives women's raiment and ornaments.

Thus they act during their ceremonies of castration.

αποθανόντες δὲ Γάλλοι ουκ ὁμοίην ταφὴν τοῖσιν άλλοισι θάπτονται,

The Galli, when dead, are not buried like other men, but

σλλσ ρὰν σποθάνῃ Γάλλος,

when a Gallus dies his companions carry him out into the suburbs,

ἑταῖροί μιν σείραντες ρς τὰ προάστεια φέρουσιν,

and laying him out on the bier on which they had

θέμενοι δὲ αυτὸν καὶ τὸ φέρτρον τῷ εκόμισαν,

carried him they cover him with stones,

ὕπερθε λίθοις βάλλουσιν,

and after this return home.

καὶ τάδε πρήζαντες οπίσω απονοστέουσιν.

They wait then for seven days, after which they enter the temple.

φυλάξαντες δὲ ἑπτὰ ἡμερέων αριθμὸν οὕτως ες τὸ ἱρὸν εσέρχονται:

Should they enter before this they would be guilty of blasphemy.

πρὸ δὲ τουτέων ὴν εσέλθωσιν, ουκ

ὅσια ποιέουσιν. νόμοισι δὲ ες ταῦτα χρέωνται τουτέοισι.

The laws which they observe are the following:

ὴν μέν τις αυτέων νέκυν ίδηται,

Anyone who has seen a corpse may not enter the temple the same day;

εκείνην τὴν ἡμέρην ες τὸ ἱρὸν ουκ απικνέεται,

but afterwards,

τῇ ἑτέρῃ δὲ καθήρας ἑωυτὸν εσέρχεται.

when he has purified himself, he enters.

αυτῶν δὲ τῶν οικείων τοῦ νέκυος ἕκαστοι φυλάξαντες αριθμὸν ἡμερέων τριήκοντα

But those who are of the family of the corpse wait for thirty days,

καὶ τὰς κεφαλὰς ξυράμενοι εσέρχονται:

and after shaving their heads they enter the temple, but

πρὶν δὲ τάδε ποιῆσαι, ου σφίσι εσιέναι ὅσιον.

before they have done this it is forbidden.

θύουσιν δὲ βόας άρσενάς τε καὶ θήλεας καὶ αῖγας καὶ όϊας.

They sacrifice bulls and cows alike and goats and sheep;

σύας δὲ μοῦνον εναγέας νομίζοντες ούτε θύουσιν ούτε σιτέονται.

pigs alone, which they abominate, are neither sacrificed nor eaten.

άλλοι δε ου σφέας εναγέας, αλλὰ ἱροὺς νομίζουσιν.

Others look on swine without disgust,

ορνίθων τε αυτέοισι περιστερὴ δοκέει χρῆμα ἱρότατον

but as holy animals. Of birds the dove seems

καὶ ουδὲ ψαύειν αυτέων δικαιέουσιν:

the most holy to them, nor do they think it right to harm these birds,

καὶ ὴν αέκοντες ἅψωνται, εναγέες εκείνην τὴν ἡμέρην εισί.

and if anyone have harmed them

τούνεκα δὲ αυτέοισι σύννομοὶ τέ εισι

unknowingly they are unholy for that day, and so when the

καὶ ες τὰ οικεῖα εσέρχονται καὶ τὰ πολλὰ εν γῇ νέμονται.

pigeons dwell with the men they enter their rooms

and commonly feed on the ground.

λέξω δὲ καὶ τῶν πανηγυριστέων τὰ ἕκαστοι ποιέουσιν.

I will speak, too, about those who come to these sacred

ανὴρ εῦτ᾽ ὰν ες τὴν ἱρὴν πόλιν πρῶτον απικνέηται,^

meetings and of what they do. As soon as a man comes to

κεφαλὴν μὲν ὅδε καὶ οφρύας εξύρατο,

Hierapolis he shaves his head and his eyebrows;

μετὰ δὲ ἱρεύσας όϊν τὰ μὲν άλλα κρεουργέει τε καὶ ευωχέεται,

afterwards he sacrifices a sheep and cuts up its flesh and eats it;

τὸ δὲ νάκος χαμαὶ θέμενος επὶ τούτου ες γόνυ ἕζεται, πόδας δὲ

he then lays the fleece on the ground, places his knee on it,

καὶ κεφαλὴν τοῦ κτήνεος επὶ τὴν ἑωυτοῦ κεφαλὴν αναλαμβάνει:

but puts the feet and head of the animal on his own head

ἅμα δὲ ευχόμενος αιτέει τὴν μὲν παρεοῦσαν θυσίην δέκεσθαι,

and at the same time he prays that the gods may

μέζω δὲ εσαῦτις ὑπισχνέεται.

vouchsafe to receive him,

τελέσας δὲ ταῦτα, τὴν κεφαλὴν αυτοῦ τε στέφεται

and he promises a greater victim hereafter.

καὶ τῶν άλλων ὁκόσοι τὴν αυτὴν ὁδὸν απικνέονται,

When this is performed he crowns his head with a hereafter.

άρας δὲ απὸ τῆς ἑωυτοῦ ὁδοιπορέει,

When this is performed he crowns his head with a procession.

ὕδασί τε ψυχροῖσι χρεόμενος λουτρῶν τε καὶ πόσιος εἵνεκα

Starting from his house he passes into the road,

καὶ ες πάμπαν χαμοκοιτέων ου γάρ οἱ ευνῆς επιβῆναι ὅσιον πρὶν τήν τε ὁδὸν εκτελέσαι

previously bathing himself and drinking cold water.

He always sleeps on the ground,

καὶ ες τὴν ἑωυτοῦ αῦτις απικέσθαι.

for he may not enter his bed till the completion of his journey.

εν δὲ τῇ ἱρῇ πόλει εκδέκεταί μιν ἀνὴρ ξεινοδόκος αγνοέοντα:

In the city of Hierapolis a public host receives him,

ῥητοὶ γὰρ δὴ ὦν ἑκάστης πόλιος αυτόθι ξεινοδόκοι εισίν,

suspecting nothing, for there are special hosts attached to each city,

καὶ τόδε πατρόθεν οίκοι δέκονται.

and these receive each guest according to his

καλέονται δὲ ὑπὸ Ἀσσυρίων οἵδε διδάσκαλοι,

These are called by the Assyrians teachers, because country.

ὅτι σφίσι πάντα ὑπηγέονται.

they teach them all the solemn rites.

θύουσι δὲ ουκ εν αυτῷ τῷ ἱρῷ,

They sacrifice victims not in the temple itself,

αλλα επεὰν παραστήσῃ τῷ βωμῷ τὸ ἱρήιον,

but when the sacrificer has placed his victim at the altar and poured a

επισπείσας αῦτις άγει ζῳὸν ες τὰ οικεῖα,

libation he brings the animal home alive,

ελθὼν δὲ κατα εωυτὸν θύει τε καὶ εύχεται.

and returning to his own house he slays his victim and utters prayers.

έστι δὲ καὶ άλλης θυσίης τρόπος τοιόσδε.

There is also another method of sacrifice, as follows:

στέψαντες τὰ ἱρήια, ζῳὰ εκ τῶν προπυλαίων απιᾶσιν,

They adorn live victims with ribbons and throw them

τὰ δὲ κατενεχθέντα θνήσκουσιν.

headlong down from the temple's entrance, and these

ένιοι δὲ καὶ παῖδας ἑωυτῶν εντεῦθεν απιᾶσιν,

naturally die after their fall. Some actually throw their own

ουκ ὁμοίως τοῖς κτήνεσιν,

children down, not as they do the cattle, but they sew them

αλλα ἐς πήρην ενθέμενοι χειρὶ κατάγουσιν,

into a sack and toss them down, visiting them with curses

ἅμα δὲ αυτέοισιν επικερτομέοντες λέγουσιν ὅτι ου παῖδες, αλλὰ βόες εισί .

and declaring that they are not their children, but are cows.

στίζονται δὲ πάντες, οἱ μὲν ες καρπούς,

They all tattoo themselves—some on the hands

οἱ δὲ ες αυχένας:

and some on the neck—and so it comes that all the

καὶ απὸ τοῦδε ἅπαντες Ἀσσύριοι στιγματηφορέουσιν .

Assyrians bear stigmata.

ποιέουσι δὲ καὶ άλλο μούνοισι Ἑλλήνων Τροιζηνίοισι ὁμολογέοντες.

They have another curious custom, in which they agree

λέξω δὲ καὶ τὰ εκεῖνοι ποιέουσιν.

with the Trœzenians alone of the Greeks. I will explain this too.

Τροιζήνιοι τῇσι παρθένοισι

The Trœzenians have made a law for their maidens

καὶ τοῖσιν ἠιθέοισι νόμον ἐποιήσαντο μή μιν ἄλλως γάμον ἰέναι,

and youths alike never to marry till they have dedicated their

πρὶν Ἱππολύτῳ κόμας κείρασθαι: καὶ ὧδε ποιέουσιν.

locks to Hippolytus; and this they do. It is the same at Hierapolis.

τοῦτο καὶ εν τῇ ἱρῇ πόλει γίγνεται.

The young men dedicate the first growth on their chin,

οἱ μὲν νεηνίαι τῶν γενείων απάρχονται,

then they let down the locks of the maidens,

τοῖς δὲ νέοισι πλοκάμους ἱροὺς εκ γενετῆς απιᾶσιν,

which have been sacred from their birth; they then cut these off

τοὺς επεὰν εν τῷ ἱρῷ γένωνται, τάμνουσίν τε

in the temple and place them in vessels,

καὶ ες άγγεα καταθέντες οἱ μὲν αργύρεα,

some in silver vessels, some in gold, and after placing these in the temple

πολλοὶ δὲ χρύσεα εν τῷ νηῷ προσηλώσαντες απίασιν επιγράψαντες ἕκαστοι τὰ ουνόματα.

and inscribing the name on the vessel they depart.

τοῦτο καὶ εγὼ νέος έτι ὼν επετέλεσα,

I performed this act myself when a youth,

καὶ έτι μευε τῷ ἱρῷ καὶ ὁ πλόκαμος καὶ τὸ ούνομα.

and my hair remains still in the temple, with my name on the vessel.